If you or a loved one are charged with a DUI in San Diego, you need to hire a San Diego DUI attorney as soon as possible.

But how do you pick an attorney that can help you best when there are over 30 pages with attorneys listed in the Yellow Pages? What should you look for? Which questions do you need to ask when you have your initial interview with the attorney?

Here are five important things to consider before hiring your DUI attorney

1. It is a good idea to look for your DUI attorney immediately after you are charged with your DUI. The sooner you hire your attorney the better.


2. Make sure the attorney you hire is specializing in DUIs. But before signing the retainer, get as much information about the attorney as you can. You can do so by visiting the attorney's website and reading about her profile and expertise. Look for references and case history and try to find out how much experience the attorney has in handling DUIs.


3. After you have preselected some candidates, have a face-to-face meeting with them. Any good attorney.will give you a free initial 15 to 30 minutes consultation.Take advantage of it and schedule a preliminary meeting. Your DUI attorney will be your closest adviser during the next months while you are going through the legal process. You need to feel comfortable and most importantly trust your attorney. In the interview, ask your most burning questions, request references and a cost estimate, and try get a feeling on how it will be working with that attorney over a longer period of time. Find out about the attorney's preferred way of communication (email, phone or personal meeting), and how prompt she will get back to you when you leave a message.


4. Make sure to ask for a cost estimate and that you clearly understand the fee and payment schedule before you sign a retainer.


5. Always be completely honest and open when you talk with your San Diego DUI attorney about your legal case. Try to recall as much as possible about what happened. The smallest detail can be important to proof your case and all documentation you can provide will be helpful.
   If you have to talk to your insurance, do not give a recorded statement before you have consulted a DUI attorney. Say "I am not prepared to give a statement at this time," before you have been adviced by your attorney how to answer any questions. Remember that any statement could be used against you in settlement negotiations or the trial.


With these five important things in mind, chances are good that you will find a good San Diego DUI attorney who will help you proof your case.