Get A DUI Attorney You Can Trust
October 27, 2009
If you have been charged with a DUI offense, then you need to read this article before you go to court. If you are thinking of representing yourself, stop and think again. DUI defense is not a "do it yourself" project. Instead, you need to find a lawyer that specializes in DUI defense.
Sure, a DUI attorney costs more, but you are also getting more expertise and competence in this area; and, he will expect to be paid for his efforts. So, take some time and read this short guide to selecting a DUI attorney. You might just save yourself a lot of time and money.
DUI Is A Serious Criminal Offense
DWI is a serious offense even though it is a misdemeanor. Every time an innocent person is killed by a drunk driver the media sensationalizes the event. As a result, DUI laws have become much less tolerant or drunk drivers and are more likely to carry heavier sentences. I do not know whether or not you are guilty of the offense as charged.
Assuming you are, then we both know that you already made one serious mistake in judgment. Do not make another mistake by attempting to represent yourself. Going to court by yourself is a ridiculous move that will only cost you lots of time and money. Worse, it could cost you your job, freedom, family or loved ones. Under the best outcome, the fines, fees and costs assessed by the court can cripple you financially. Do not be the fool that represents himself. Get a DUI attorney you can trust.
DUI Attorneys Are Criminal Specialists
If you have been charged with a drunk driving offense, you need a DUI lawyer and not simply an attorney that practices criminal law. You simply are not in a position to trust your defense to just any attorney. Instead, you need to find an attorney that specializes in DUI defense. You can consult your state bar association to see if it has a specialization or certification.
In the alternative, interview your attorney to determine his familiarity with issues that are common in DUI cases. These include: use of the intolilyzer, horizontal gaze and nystagmus, diabetes, hypoglycemia, epilepsy and other seizure disorders. Certain conditions can be mistaken for intoxication. You will pay a bigger fee to retain a DWI lawyer, but you really cannot afford to mount your legal defense on a budget. Too much is at stake.
DUI Attorneys Charge Higher Attorney's Fees
An attorney that specializes in DUI defense is going to charge a higher fee than a general practitioner or criminal attorney. They have specialized knowledge that you need and they know that their services command a higher rate of compensation. Do not hesitate to discuss the matter of attorney's fees early in the conversation with your attorney. You will probably be quoted one of two types of fee arrangements. Either the attorney will agree to take the case for a flat fee or an hourly rate.
In either case, you will be required to put a down payment ("retainer") down in advance. The fee is usually charged regardless of outcome.
DUI Defendants Should Not Go To Court Alone
DWI litigation is complex. You probably understand that when it comes to a DWI, your defense is not "do it yourself" project. Instead, you need to find a competent DUI attorney that is going to make the state prove their case. He will have the knowledge and expertise to challenge the evidence and raise all likely and legitimate defenses.
Yes, he will charge more. But, when you are charged with a serious criminal offense, you cannot afford to be cheap.
Sure, a DUI attorney costs more, but you are also getting more expertise and competence in this area; and, he will expect to be paid for his efforts. So, take some time and read this short guide to selecting a DUI attorney. You might just save yourself a lot of time and money.
DUI Is A Serious Criminal Offense
DWI is a serious offense even though it is a misdemeanor. Every time an innocent person is killed by a drunk driver the media sensationalizes the event. As a result, DUI laws have become much less tolerant or drunk drivers and are more likely to carry heavier sentences. I do not know whether or not you are guilty of the offense as charged.
Assuming you are, then we both know that you already made one serious mistake in judgment. Do not make another mistake by attempting to represent yourself. Going to court by yourself is a ridiculous move that will only cost you lots of time and money. Worse, it could cost you your job, freedom, family or loved ones. Under the best outcome, the fines, fees and costs assessed by the court can cripple you financially. Do not be the fool that represents himself. Get a DUI attorney you can trust.
DUI Attorneys Are Criminal Specialists
If you have been charged with a drunk driving offense, you need a DUI lawyer and not simply an attorney that practices criminal law. You simply are not in a position to trust your defense to just any attorney. Instead, you need to find an attorney that specializes in DUI defense. You can consult your state bar association to see if it has a specialization or certification.
In the alternative, interview your attorney to determine his familiarity with issues that are common in DUI cases. These include: use of the intolilyzer, horizontal gaze and nystagmus, diabetes, hypoglycemia, epilepsy and other seizure disorders. Certain conditions can be mistaken for intoxication. You will pay a bigger fee to retain a DWI lawyer, but you really cannot afford to mount your legal defense on a budget. Too much is at stake.
DUI Attorneys Charge Higher Attorney's Fees
An attorney that specializes in DUI defense is going to charge a higher fee than a general practitioner or criminal attorney. They have specialized knowledge that you need and they know that their services command a higher rate of compensation. Do not hesitate to discuss the matter of attorney's fees early in the conversation with your attorney. You will probably be quoted one of two types of fee arrangements. Either the attorney will agree to take the case for a flat fee or an hourly rate.
In either case, you will be required to put a down payment ("retainer") down in advance. The fee is usually charged regardless of outcome.
DUI Defendants Should Not Go To Court Alone
DWI litigation is complex. You probably understand that when it comes to a DWI, your defense is not "do it yourself" project. Instead, you need to find a competent DUI attorney that is going to make the state prove their case. He will have the knowledge and expertise to challenge the evidence and raise all likely and legitimate defenses.
Yes, he will charge more. But, when you are charged with a serious criminal offense, you cannot afford to be cheap.
Posted by Rico Gonzales, JD. Posted In : DUI Lawyer
