If you have been charged with a DWI and are looking for a DWI defense lawyer you may be wondering how to choose the right attorney. Not only is choosing who to hire as your legal representation a big decision but it is also a personal one. Many attorneys online claim to be the “best DWI lawyer in Texas,” and everyone offline “knows a guy” that you’re unsure if you can trust — but whoever you choose to represent you needs to do just that — represent you.
Javier Guzman from Guzman Law Firm, a trial-tested DWI attorney in Laredo TX, knows how overwhelming the decision can be, and is here to share the things that he looks for in a good DWI defense lawyer.
What should I look for in a good lawyer?
It can be tempting to hire the first DWI lawyer that you see on a large billboard next to the highway. However, hiring a lawyer on a whim can come with large consequences. Simply because their billboard states they are the best does not mean they are the best fit for you and your case. Time is often of the essence in a DWI case, but with a few things in mind, you should be able to make a decision that you won’t regret.
Here are a few tips for finding a lawyer to defend your DWI case. You’ll want to ask yourself the following questions during your search.
1. Does the attorney handle DWI cases?
The first question that you should ask about your would-be representation is “do they handle DWI cases?” Many attorneys will attempt to take on a DWI case despite focusing their practice on other types of cases. You don’t want a business litigation lawyer taking on your DWI case. They may be able to handle it, but DWI law is complex and becomes even more complex for repeat offenders.
If your attorney doesn’t practice Texas DWI law, they may have trouble handling a felony DWI case or defending a charge for a 2nd DWI in Texas because they lack the experience to do so correctly. The best shot you have is with a lawyer who regularly handles DWI cases.
2. Does the attorney have trial experience?
What does it mean to have trial experience? Many cases get settled out of court, and many lawyers make their living reaching settlements — but if you want to win you need a DWI defense attorney who will fight for you in the courtroom.
Javier Guzman was awarded the DWI Trial Scholar Award in 2021 by the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. He knows how to work with a jury and he knows how to win.
3. Do they have special training or designations?
There are organizations that award various certifications of distinction to deserving lawyers. Knowing what these are and looking for them can make your life a whole lot easier.
For instance, DWI cases often involve complex evidence related to the science of intoxication through field sobriety tests and blood alcohol tests. If your DWI defense attorney doesn’t understand this science on a deep level, you may be forced to accept whatever the prosecution says is the truth.
Javier Guzman is the only Texas DWI defense lawyer in Laredo who is also an ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer-Scientist. The Chemistry and Law Division of the American Chemical Society has designated Javier Guzman as competent in matters involving liquid and gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. He knows what following best practices look like in a forensic laboratory, and he knows what cutting corners looks like. With knowledge of science and the law, your defense with Guzman LawFirm is built stronger.
4. Does the attorney have a good track record?
There is a lot of information about attorneys out there. Larger firms will flood the world with their advertising; for example, you may have even gotten a free pen at a bar with the attorney’s number on it. But reviews from former clients off of a website, on a platform like Google reviews, never lie.
Guzman Law Firm has testimonials from real clients with real cases. We offer relentless defense, from people you can trust.
5. Can I trust my attorney?
There are many things that set apart good attorneys from some of the case factories that you pass on every billboard, but among them, trust is difficult to quantify. Whether it is your first DWI in Texas or your third, you’ll want your DWI defense attorney to be good at their job, but do you feel that they care about you? Do you get along well? These attributes can establish trust, and without it, you may end up feeling that your attorney won’t fight as hard for you.
How do you know that Javier Guzman is trustworthy, hardworking, and passionate about justice? Those who have worked with him say that he is qualified and well-respected, but gauging the intangibles can be difficult. It’s always best to do your own research on a potential attorney and see if they are the right fit for you.
Looking for a Texas DWI Defense Lawyer? Call Javier Guzman
If you need a DWI defense lawyer, and you’re wondering how to choose the right attorney, you should take the time to consider their credentials, history, and overall professional attitude. However, time is of the essence as your lawyer needs all the time they can get to start building your defense. Javier Guzman is a trustworthy and passionate DWI defense attorney who can help you to build a strong defense.
If you need relentless representation for a DWI in Texas, call 956-333-3977 or schedule a consultation with Guzman Law Firm today.
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.
