My last two articles at EzineArticles addressed two frequently asked questions: (1) should I contest my DUI charge? and (2) should I represent myself in a DUI? This article discusses a common follow-up question: If I have decided to contest my DUI charge and am not going to represent myself, how do I choose a DUI attorney?
Choose a lawyer who focuses on DUI The last article compared the choice of a lawyer with the choice of a doctor. If you are choosing a doctor for a big toe problem, you want a doctor who only treats the feet, and preferably a foot doctor who focuses on the big toes. If you are looking for a DUI attorney, you want an attorney who practices criminal defense and focuses on DUI defense.
Choose an attorney who is educated and trained in DUI matters. Look for an attorney who has completed courses in field sobriety tests, breath tests, and blood and urine tests. Also look for an attorney who is a member of the National College for DUI Defense and who regularly attends continuing legal education seminars on DUI law.
Choose an attorney who is experienced in DUI cases. You would not want a foot doctor who has been educated in foot medicine but has little experience treating the feet. Look for an attorney who regularly challenges DUI cases and has taken many cases through contested motion hearings and trials. It may also be helpful to find an attorney who regularly practices in the court where your DUI case takes place.
Choose a lawyer who has good communication skills. The attorney must communicate clearly with you, the prosecutor, and the judge. The lawyer should be able to educate you on the law and the process of your case. Communication also involves listening, so the lawyer must listen to your situation and concerns and answer all your questions.
Choose a lawyer who charges the appropriate fees. The fee for contesting your DUI charge will naturally be higher than the fee for guiding you through the plea process. The fees of an attorney who focuses on DUI are likely to be higher than the fees of an attorney who practices multiple areas of the law. If the fees are too low, the attorney may not value her time very much or plan to put a lot of work into the case.
There are many attorneys who handle DUI (OVI) cases. Hopefully, the criteria discussed here will help you assess which attorney is best for your case.