Legal Help Minneapolis

Faced with a DWI, especially a first offense, it would be natural to ask “Do I need to hire a lawyer?”. Technically, the answer is no. There is no requirement in Minnesota that a person charged with DWI be represented by an attorney. There are, however, many reasons why it is usually best to be represented by an experienced DWI defense lawyer.

It's In Your Best Interests to have Good Legal Representation

Often a person charged with DUI feels guilty. He knows he was drinking and driving, and may even feel it would be somehow inappropriate to “fight it”. He might assume that the officer was experienced and followed correct procedures, and that the state has an “open-and-shut case" against him. Even so, it is still in that person’s best interests to have good legal representation.

An experienced defense attorney will be able to obtain all the police reports and related documents quickly, and will review them carefully. By knowing what to look for, the attorney may be able to discover legal defenses which the client would not have known about or recognized. Sometimes defenses are subtle, and while a defense may not be significant enough to get a case dismissed, it may help put the client in a better negotiating position. It makes sense for anyone charged with DWI to have someone with experience evaluate the case before proceeding on the assumption that they have no defense.


A Lawyer Can Assist You In Achieving A Lesser Sentence

Even in a case where there are no usable defenses, a lawyer can do a lot to assist the client in achieving the most lenient sentence possible. By pointing out positive aspects of the case or the client, the attorney may be able to convince the prosecutor to reduce the charge to a lesser offense. By being familiar with the tendencies of different judges and knowing the procedural steps a client is entitled to, the attorney may be able to have the client’s case handled by a more lenient judge. By presenting the case to the judge in the most favorable light, the attorney may be able to influence the judge’s position on sentencing. And by helping the client prepare for the interview with the probation officer the attorney may be able to help the client avoid unnecessarily burdensome probation conditions. An attorney can often help arrange time for a client to pay any fines or fees, and can help guide the client through the process of getting driving privileges reinstated.


William C. Kueffner Specializes In DUI Cases

In order to get the best representation, it is important to hire a lawyer who concentrates his or her practice in the defense of DWI cases. William C. Kueffner is just that lawyer. As with many areas of the law, DWI law changes frequently. Mr. Kueffner is up to date on the most current laws and how they are being interpreted by the courts. He's also familiar with other people involved in the system, such as the judges, prosecutors, court clerks and probation officers. Just as you wouldn't ask an eye surgeon to operate on your heart, you shouldn't ask a real estate attorney to handle your DWI.

Mr. Kueffner is knowledgeable about DWI defenses, driver’s license reinstatement requirements, court scheduling, or whatever specific issues are involved in your case. If you are going to pay an attorney to represent you, you should expect to have a full understanding of what that attorney is doing for you, and why.


Hire An Attorney For Only The Services You Need

William C. Kueffner will give you straight answers to questions regarding how much he charges to perform certain services. Some lawyers charge fees based on a “package” of services, while others charge on a service-by-service basis. For example, one lawyer may quote a fee of $5,000.00 for a package of services including representation in the criminal case, including a trial if necessary, and an Implied Consent Hearing. Another lawyer may quote separate fees such as $2000.00 to represent you in the criminal case without an actual trial, an additional $2000.00 if there is a trial in the criminal case, and a separate $2000.00 for an Implied Consent hearing. It makes good sense to hire an attorney for only the services you actually need. Attorneys know that a very small percentage of cases actually go to trial. If you pay for a package of services, then your case settles without a trial, do not expect a refund of a portion of the fees. Similarly, an Implied Consent hearing is not appropriate in every case. It makes sense to pay an attorney to do an Implied Consent hearing for you if your case involves a legal defense which gives you a reasonable chance of being successful. Mr. Kueffner will discuss these issues with you and put your fee arrangement in writing.

Legal Help Minnesota - Free Half-Hour Consultation

An initial consultation of up to one-half hour, either in office or by telephone, is free of charge. Fees for representation are reasonable and are specified at the outset. Several payment plans are available, including the use of Visa or MasterCard.

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