Drunk Driving: Why You Need A DUI Attorney

Being charged with a DUI is a serious matter.  You need to read this article to find out what you need to do to protect your rights.  If you are thinking about appearing pro se, you need to reconsider your decision.  Instead, you need to seriously consider hiring a DUI attorney to represent you.  He will have the specialized knowledge to negotiate a deal for you or properly represent you at trial.  

Yes, a DUI attorney will expect to be paid for his efforts.  But, if you read this short guide to finding an attorney, you will be in a better position to determine if having a DUI attorney is the right decision for you.

If you have been charged with a DUI, you are potentially facing a lot of headaches.  DUI deaths have prompted a great deal of media attention and juries are apt to punish DUI defendants to the maximum extent of the law.  I am not concerned with whether or not you are guilty or innocent.  

But, if you are guilty, then representing yourself might be the second biggest mistake you make.  Going to court by yourself is the equivalent of legal “suicide” and will cost you lots of time money.  Worse, you could lose your job and your freedom.  Even if you do get probation, the fines and fees will cripple you financially.  Do you understand now why I advise getting a DWI attorney?

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 DUI attorney, but you really cannot afford to mount your legal defense on a budget. Too much is at stake.

A DWI lawyer is going to charge more than a regular criminal defense attorney. DUI lawyers have specialized knowledge that commands a higher fee. You need to be sure to discuss the matter of attorney’s fees early in the conversation. You will likely pay your attorney in one of two ways. You will be charged a flat fee that will be due in full by the date of trial. Or, you will be charged an hourly rate for the lawyer’s time.

In either case, you will be required to put a down payment (“retainer”) down in advance. The fee is usually charged regardless of 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 is going to cost more than the typical criminal defense lawyer. But, you are paying for that reputation, experience and expertise. Now is not the time to decide to save a few bucks. The money you save could cost you your freedom.