3 p.m. at Ybor City, and down the wide open expanse of Bayshore Boulevard you’re riding. Suddenly, it happens: the reds and blues appear on your rearview reflector. Who’d figure a DUI Lawyers Tampa would be tomorrow’s worry for anyone today? Yet, here it is. If this ill wind blows over you in Tampa, let’s pick through the advice. Who knows? It may just blow some relief into your sails.

Let me tell you about Jack, for starters. Jack figured that he could win his own case one time. After all, what’s hard about telling your side of things? So Jack learned. The legal course was a wide and winding hallway of its own, filled with jargon and legal-ease bags no one was opening; he found himself wishing for a translator that talked to the courts.

Now, we come to the heart of the matter: picking a lawyer isn’t just a matter of cost or office furnishings. What you want is someone who’s been around, has a quick mind and–for goodness sakes–someone who won’t bat an eye if you have a late-night repetitive fast food snack.

Experience counts. Think of hiring a chef who’s flipped burgers only versus one who has served seven-course meals. Believe me, when it comes to your case, you want the latter. Read what is being said. Yes, those stars mean something. Speak directly! That gives you a sense, a feeling of what’s going on.

Now comes strategy. A good attorney will not just replay your Friday night antics, but will turn over rocks, expose contradictions and remind the court of your stellar track record–long before wines misled you.

And communication? It’s critical. Remember when Mom phoned you only to take out the garbage? No one likes being in the dark. You need updates, information, and a sympathetic voice saying it’s all okay.

What’s this going to cost? Be ready, it won’t be cheap. But consider: the consequences of a conviction for DUI can be horrendous. Jobs, loans and even clubs might be harder to get. It’s the old “creep of the added cost.”

Last of all, support is worth its weight in gold. Tampa has societies, communities and a variety of resources to lean against, and sometimes in these words from afar some comfort. Hang on to those railings, my good man.