DUI Attorney: What You Need To Know
Tuesday, 03 November 2009 18:22 | 
Written by Christi Frames |
Are you looking for a DUI attorney? If so, then this article can mean the difference between freedom and jail. You cannot expect a good outcome if you choose to represent yourself. Instead, find an attorney that has specialized knowledge in the area of DUI defense.
Are you looking for a DUI attorney? If so, then this article can mean the difference between freedom and jail. You cannot expect a good outcome if you choose to represent yourself. Instead, find an attorney that has specialized knowledge in the area of 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.
Even though the first offense is usually a misdemeanor, DUI (or DWI) has become a serious offense. The media pays attention to drunk driving cases and has cause the public to become less tolerant of this type of criminal activity. Juries are more likely to severely punish, even a first time offender. Now, I do not know whether or not you are guilty or innocent.
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.
All DUI lawyers practice criminal law, but not all criminal attorneys can try a DUI case. DWI attorneys engage in a specialized practice. You are not in a position to trust your defense to just any criminal attorney. Instead, try to find an attorney that has a DUI specialization or certification, if your state bar has such as designation.
If not, try to determine if your prospective lawyer is familiar with those issues that are peculiar to DUI defense. Some of these issues include the use of an intoxilyzer, diabetes and hypoglycemia, horizontal gaze and nystagmus, and other such tests. You will pay more for a DUI attorney with this sort of specialized knowledge, but are you really in a position to mount a defense "on the cheap?"
You can expect a DUI attorney to charge a larger fee for his services because of his specialized knowledge and experience. Discuss legal fees with your attorney early on in the interview. You will probably be charged a flat fee or an hourly rate.
In either case, you will be required to post a retainer (or down payment) for your lawyer's services. The balance of the fee is due before trial and you will owe it regardless of the outcome.
The typical DUI defendant is not aware of the complexities of DUI litigation. This is no time to decide to "do it yourself." Instead, it is time to get serious about your freedom and find an attorney that specializes in DUI defense.
It will cost you a little more money. But, when you are faced with DWI charges, it is not the time to be cheap.
Are you looking for a DUI attorney? If so, then this article can mean the difference between freedom and jail. You cannot expect a good outcome if you choose to represent yourself. Instead, find an attorney that has specialized knowledge in the area of 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.
Even though the first offense is usually a misdemeanor, DUI (or DWI) has become a serious offense. The media pays attention to drunk driving cases and has cause the public to become less tolerant of this type of criminal activity. Juries are more likely to severely punish, even a first time offender. Now, I do not know whether or not you are guilty or innocent.
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.
All DUI lawyers practice criminal law, but not all criminal attorneys can try a DUI case. DWI attorneys engage in a specialized practice. You are not in a position to trust your defense to just any criminal attorney. Instead, try to find an attorney that has a DUI specialization or certification, if your state bar has such as designation.
If not, try to determine if your prospective lawyer is familiar with those issues that are peculiar to DUI defense. Some of these issues include the use of an intoxilyzer, diabetes and hypoglycemia, horizontal gaze and nystagmus, and other such tests. You will pay more for a DUI attorney with this sort of specialized knowledge, but are you really in a position to mount a defense "on the cheap?"
You can expect a DUI attorney to charge a larger fee for his services because of his specialized knowledge and experience. Discuss legal fees with your attorney early on in the interview. You will probably be charged a flat fee or an hourly rate.
In either case, you will be required to post a retainer (or down payment) for your lawyer's services. The balance of the fee is due before trial and you will owe it regardless of the outcome.
The typical DUI defendant is not aware of the complexities of DUI litigation. This is no time to decide to "do it yourself." Instead, it is time to get serious about your freedom and find an attorney that specializes in DUI defense.
It will cost you a little more money. But, when you are faced with DWI charges, it is not the time to be cheap.