Choosing the right lawyer can often be the difference between success and failure in a legal battle. Whether you're facing a criminal charge, handling a complex business transaction, or dealing with a family matter, having a competent and effective lawyer by your side is crucial. But how do you ensure you have the best representative for your case? Here are some essential qualities to look for in any lawyer. 1. Experience First and foremost, experience is key. A lawyer's familiarity with similar cases allows them to anticipate challenges and devise robust strategies. For instance, in Tennessee, there were 265,115 arrests in 2020 alone, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. With such high numbers, a lawyer with significant experience in criminal law would be well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the legal system, providing invaluable advice and representation based on previous cases and outcomes. 2. Strong Communication Skills Communication is another critical quality to consider. The ability to convey complex legal concepts in a manner that’s easy to understand is not only a hallmark of a good lawyer but also necessary to keep clients informed and comfortable throughout the legal process. Effective communicators can also powerfully advocate on your behalf, both in and out of court. They listen actively, address your concerns, and explain your options clearly, ensuring that you are an integral part of the decision-making process. 3. Trust and Integrity Trustworthiness is equally essential when looking for a lawyer. This includes integrity, transparency, and a commitment to ethical practice. You should feel confident that your lawyer is working in your best interest, keeping all your dealings confidential and providing honest, realistic feedback and expectations regarding your case. A lawyer who values trust is more likely to have built a solid reputation, both among peers and clients, with a track record that reflects their dedication to justice and client welfare. Selecting a lawyer with these qualities will significantly enhance your chances of a favorable outcome. Remember that the right lawyer will not only have the necessary skills and knowledge but will also put your mind at ease, knowing that you are in capable hands. As legal matters can be stressful and challenging, having a trustworthy, communicative, and experienced lawyer is invaluable in steering through the legal landscape. When you need a lawyer , contact Whitaker Law Office.

Facing a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. It is crucial to know the right steps to take to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. This post will guide you through the appropriate actions you should consider if you find yourself in this situation, including understanding your rights, seeking legal counsel via a DUI lawyer, and preparing your defense. 1. Recognize Your Rights First and foremost, it is essential to have a basic understanding of your rights to be able to help your attorney prepare the best defense possible. If you are pulled over or come in contact with a law enforcement officer for suspicion of driving under the influence, remain calm and be polite with the officer or officers. Your interaction with the officer is not a time when you should be argumentative or unruly. The officer's job is to determine whether or not you are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and will likely ask that you perform certain standard field sobriety tests. You have the right to refuse to submit to these tests. If you do refuse, the officer will likely take you into custody as a result of your refusal, but you are not required by law to submit to any field sobriety test. If your encounter with law enforcement results in an arrest for driving under the influence, the officer is going to read you a form and request that you submit a blood sample for the purpose of determining the presence or lack thereof of alcohol and/or drugs. You do not have to agree to give your blood for testing but if you do not, you may be charged with a violation of the implied consent law, which can result in a suspension of your driver's license. 2. Seek Out Legal Counsel Secondly, seeking legal counsel is a critical step in handling a DUI charge effectively. A qualified DUI lawyer will be familiar with the intricacies of DUI laws and can provide guidance on the best course of action. According to DrunkDrivingPrevention.com, about 1.5 million people were arrested in a given year for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This statistic underscores how many professionals you'll have access to if you need legal aid. Having experienced legal representation to navigate the complexities of DUI cases is imperative. 3. Prepare Your Defense Additionally, it is important to begin gathering evidence and preparing your defense as soon as possible. This can include obtaining any relevant documentation, such as police reports, blood alcohol concentration reports, witness statements, dashcam footage, and bodycam videos from all of the officers on the scene. An attorney can assist in identifying any procedural errors or potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Being proactive in building a strong defense can significantly impact the outcome of your case and potentially lead to reduced charges or penalties. Being charged with a DUI is undoubtedly a serious matter, but knowing the right steps to take can help you manage the situation more effectively. Protecting your rights, seeking experienced legal counsel, and preparing a strong defense are all crucial actions to take. By staying informed and proactive, you can improve your chances of achieving a favorable resolution. Are you looking for a DUI lawyer in Tennessee? Here at Whitaker Law Office, we've provided clients with knowledgeable legal counsel since 2015. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

If you've been accused of a crime, whether you believe you're innocent or guilty, hiring a criminal defense lawyer is always the smart choice. They can help you navigate the legal system and provide you with support during this difficult time. According to Zippia, there are over 252,159 defense attorneys currently employed in the United States, so you have plenty of options available. Here are a few benefits that come with investing in the help of professionals. 1. Knowledge of Legal Systems No one knows the law better than someone who has devoted years of their life to studying it. Both federal and state laws as well as court proceedings can appear convoluted and confusing to the average person, but lawyers understand them deeply. They know what paperwork needs to be filled out, how to examine evidence, and can properly defend you in court. They'll create a defense strategy for you, so you have the best possible chance of either being found not guilty or at least receiving a plea bargain or reduced sentence. Their knowledge is what you need to ensure your case goes smoothly. 2. Understanding of Paperwork Going to court involves a lot of paperwork, and one misfiled or forgotten form can be detrimental to your case. In the best-case scenario, it will delay proceedings and make a bad impression on the judge. Criminal defense lawyers, however, know exactly which forms are and are not needed and how to file them appropriately. Plus, they'll do all the hard work so you don't have to. They'll save you time and stress by handling it for you. 3. Expert Advice With all of their knowledge about the law and court systems, criminal defense lawyers are an invaluable resource. They can help you understand the severity of your situation, what exactly you're being accused of, and the best strategies for taking on your case. They can give you advice about how you present yourself in court and, if a plea deal is offered, can tell you if you should take it or not. These are just a couple of the several benefits that come with hiring criminal defense lawyers after being accused of a crime. If you're looking for knowledgeable and experienced attorneys to take on your case, contact Whitaker Law Office today. We've served the Lebanon, TN area since 2015.

According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, there were 265,115 arrests in 2020. After an arrest, choosing an expert criminal defense attorney can make or break your case. An experienced defense attorney that fights by your side can help you walk free or get a lesser sentence. These tips will help you find one and ensure you don't accidentally wind up with an inexperienced criminal attorney. Schedule a Consultation Randomly picking an attorney from the vast array of defense lawyers online is too risky. Instead, taking your time when selecting an attorney to fight by your side is essential. Start by scheduling free consultations with attorneys. During the consultation, ask questions about their experience with cases like yours and their opinion. An experienced attorney will speak with confidence and be able to answer your questions. Pay Attention to Specialities Lawyers are known for specializing in specific areas. For example, a lawyer may specialize in family law, which means they handle cases like divorce and custody disputes. When searching for a lawyer, ensure that you choose lawyers that specialize in criminal defense. These attorneys are experienced in defending individuals accused of a crime. Ensure They Are Responsive It can be scary to call an attorney for days before a trial starts only to not receive a response. Before hiring an attorney, pay close attention to how responsive they are. Do they call back within a day? Do they schedule appointments soon, or is it impossible to speak with them? When an attorney is not responsive, it can be frustrating. Instead of hiring them, consult with other lawyers. Read Reviews If a client has a negative experience with a criminal attorney, they're likely to leave a negative review. People often feel compelled to do so to help other people save their money and time. If an attorney has many negative reviews, it's best to avoid them. Check Their Fee Schedule A trustworthy attorney will have a set fee schedule. They'll be able to tell you how much it will cost to start the case and how much they intend to charge for various things. For example, many attorneys charge a flat hourly rate for phone calls. Finding an expert criminal attorney can be tedious, but it doesn't have to be. Our lawyers are experienced in criminal defense and ready to fight by your side. Contact us at Whitaker Law Office to schedule a consultation today.