Drunk Driving Defense, DUI Arrest - FAQs
13. What do I need to do to find an experienced drunk driving attorney?
The most effective way to find a qualified DUI/DWI attorney is through their reputation. While the nationally known attorneys are very expensive, there are ways you can also find locally known attorneys to represent you. The best method is found simply through asking other lawyers in the district who they feel is the most qualified in DUI defense. You can also visit the courthouse in your area to ask clerks, bailiffs, and public defenders the same question: Which DUI attorney would they recommend?
Although it may seem unusual, it will not be helpful to seek out a referral from the local Bar association or a referral service. Most of these services work off of a referral list and just offer you the next lawyer on the list. The main problem with this strategy is that, in most cases, there are very few skills or requirements necessary to have in order to be put on this list. An attorney simply has to request to be put on the list.
The highest acknowledgment for a DUI attorney is Board-certification; it shows a great amount of experience and ability. Another good indication of expertise is membership with the National College for DUI Defense. Even more suitable, completion of the College's rigorous 3 day seminar that takes place annually at Harvard Law School.
There are three particular qualities that you must be sure of when you first meet with the DUI attorney:
- There is a clear financial agreement.
- His background includes a great amount of DUI/DWI cases.
- His reputation shows that he has gone to trial for suitable cases.
Copping out
clients is never a good history to have.
WARNING: Watch out for attorneys who will claim to be specialists on the subject and then hand you over to other top DUI attorneys
who will split then charges with him.
