Advice For Hiring the Right DUI Defense Attorney From One of Washington’s Best: Robert Ault of Veitch Ault Defense
Washington has some of the most rigid DUI laws in the country. These strict laws, coupled with an abundance of resources available to DUI prosecutors and a yearning to provide law enforcement with ample training and tools to assist in DUI detection, make fighting a DUI charge imperative and challenging. Because punishments for a DUI conviction are severe and irreversible, it’s in one’s best interests to hire the right DUI defense attorney soon after an arrest. Unfortunately, this isn’t as easy as it should be. Many attorneys who make exuberant claims to be experts or “the best” lack the necessary skills, knowledge, and training to represent their clients effectively. Others either fail to grasp or aren’t particularly concerned with the impact a DUI conviction can have on their clients. As a result, hiring an attorney with the necessary skill and reputation, who sincerely cares about their client’s well-being is highly recommended. Robert Ault is the managing partner of Veitch Ault Defense, located in Bellevue and Lynnwood, WA. Over the past eighteen years, he has built a reputation as one of the best DUI defense attorneys in Washington state. This article will share Robert’s expertise in identifying a great DUI attorney to avoid the negative experience and long-term effects of a poorly handled case.
In many ways, the process of addressing a DUI charge is set up for failure, though not by design. It’s simply the nature of a complex and detailed bureaucratic process. The guidance of an attorney with a deep understanding of the entire process is essential. In addition to possessing the skill, knowledge, and ability necessary to fight the charge, your attorney should be available to be contacted any time throughout the process. Some attorneys, like Robert, will give clients their personal cell phone numbers with an open invitation to call any time. Good counselors understand that while outstanding legal representation is a large part of the job, so is providing peace of mind throughout the challenging experience.
The importance of hiring an attorney with the necessary skill, knowledge, and an excellent reputation in DUI defense cannot be overstated. These cases routinely involve a law enforcement officer’s recitation of what they believe to have observed and breath or blood results for which the state will attest to near infallibility. Further, the cases routinely involve the potentially biased officer’s opinion of a subject’s performance on roadside tests designed for failure. As a result, you must have an attorney with an excellent reputation and a sincere desire to put you in the best position moving forward.
In the same way, indisputable evidence must be provided during a trial, an individual must have proof of their prospective attorney’s success in DUI defense. Self-proclamation on a website isn’t enough. Nor does aggressive advertising reflect a firm’s true ability or performance. In fact, over-advertising can be a red flag. It can be a sign that a firm is pursuing a large number of clients, leading to a lack of individualized attention and care. The best way to verify a DUI defense attorney’s ability and success rate is through word-of-mouth reference. These references are often found through personal attorneys, friends, and family. Ways to verify a DUI defense attorney’s knowledge and ability include making sure they’re trained in all facets of DUI (i.e., DUI detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, Advanced Roadside Impairment Detection Enforcement, BAC and Blood test administration, etc.) Consistent recognition from reputable sources, such as Super Lawyers, can indicate high peer recognition and professional achievement. Finally, genuine detailed descriptions of past client experiences on attorney review websites, such as Avvo, can be helpful. That said, be sure the reviews are addressing the attorney’s representation of a client facing similar charges.
When initially contacting attorneys regarding possible representation in a DUI case, notice how the lawyer responds. Don’t count on an attorney who fails to make themselves available for an initial phone consultation promptly or doesn’t feel the need to reply to an e-mail quickly. These are signs the attorney won’t be any more responsive if subsequently retained. When contacting an attorney after an arrest, there are concerns about potential long-term repercussions and questions needing immediate attention. Lawyers initially contacted should be able to: assist in locating an impounded vehicle, discuss whether a disclosure to an insurance company or employer may be necessary, and convey whether there will be a mandatory court appearance in the near future. Additionally, they should be able to: communicate whether a Contested Hearing for an associated traffic citation must be requested; when and how should a Department of Licensing hearing be requested; will in-car video/audio and/or breath test room video be available, and when/how should it be requested? The attorney’s responsiveness and ability to inform and provide answers immediately after an arrest is a strong indicator of the attention and information you would expect to receive as a client.
When attempting to schedule a meeting with the attorney, are they willing to meet after hours? Someone recently arrested for DUI has often missed some work due to the incident. Is the lawyer cognizant of this and wanting to schedule accordingly, or are they expecting you to accommodate their schedule? It isn’t likely an attorney opposed to being in the office after 6:00 p.m. will be willing to spend the necessary time fighting for their clients. Suppose the recent incident resulted in a loss of transportation. In that case, the attorney should be willing to come to you, meet at a coffee shop, or, at a minimum, participate in a video conference.
Near the end of the meeting, notice whether the large majority of your questions have been answered after the attorney has finished going through things. The right lawyer will have recognized what questions and concerns they need to address. If there are still questions or the absence of a firm grasp of the process moving forward, it’s likely the attorney hasn’t been listening or doesn’t have the experience or ability to recognize what the client needs.
Finally, make sure the attorney you speak with is the same one you will be meeting in person and is the same lawyer handling the entirety of your case. It is imperative someone recently arrested speak and meet with the attorney who would be representing and appearing in court throughout the entire duration. While legal assistants or paralegals will often be responsible for the cases’ administrative tasks, the primary point of contact should be the individual attorney. Further, there should be a guarantee that one’s case won’t be passed on to whichever associate is already scheduled to be at the courthouse for a different case. In addition to providing the client the personalized attention they deserve, the appearance of how the firm handles the case is essential. A defendant appearing with different lawyers at various hearings gives the impression that no single lawyer is particularly invested in the case. Whereas a defendant with the same lawyer by their side at every hearing shows someone is fighting for them, and that same attorney will continue to stand by their side until the case resolves the way it should. Not only does this attorney know the ins and outs of the case but they are keenly aware of their client’s circumstances and what positive steps are being completed to demonstrate the incident is being taken very seriously.
Besides what’s been previously mentioned, the following should be looked for when talking and meeting with your potential attorney: confidence in their ability to achieve your desired goal; optimism, but also honesty about the challenges likely presented in the case; a genuine recognition of the situation you are in and an apparent demonstration of empathy; a yearning and willingness to work hard for their clients; and general characteristics of authenticity and sincerity. While these characteristics don’t seem to matter in some fields, one does themselves a significant disservice when they retain a DUI defense attorney void of these traits. Finally, are they reassuring, easy to communicate with, and listening to what you are telling them?
While nobody wants to be in a situation where they need a DUI defense attorney, people make mistakes. If you’ve been arrested for a DUI, it’s best to hire an attorney with a stellar reputation and proven track record as soon as possible. Crucial steps should be taken immediately to create the most robust defense possible. Hiring just any lawyer simply won’t suffice. You need an excellent representative who genuinely cares about your case- an attorney who will be there with you every step of the way. Robert Ault and Veitch Ault Defense are available if you need support. Robert has developed his reputation through eighteen years of successful DUI defense. He’s grown his practice based on honesty, genuine care, and the belief that people are good despite their mistakes. He promises to be prepared, respectful, and work hard for his clients. Contact Veitch Ault Defense to schedule a free consultation. You can do so through the contact form on their website or by calling (425) 452-1600 today.