Last Updated 8th of March, 2010

Top 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a DUI Attorney

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With so much riding on the outcome of a DUI charge, you'll want to hire the best DUI lawyer available. In most instances, you'll only have a few days to decide on a DUI attorney. To help pinpoint the right lawyer for you and your case, be sure to conduct a thorough interview process by asking the following questions:

  1. How many DUI jury trials have you conducted? It's important to know if the lawyer has a history of taking cases to trial, or traditionally settles for the prosecutor's first reduced sentence offer. 
  2. How much of your practice is devoted towards DUI cases? Ideally, you'll want to hear something close to 100 percent. 
  3. How many of your DUI clients have been found guilty as charged? You want a lawyer who answers "almost never" or "less than five percent." The system is designed so that both sides can reach an agreement. A good DUI lawyer will not accept guilty as charged and work on negotiating for a settlement with lighter penalties. 
  4. How much experience do you have with DUI cases? It's important to find an attorney who understands your state's DWI and DUI laws and has a familiarity with the presiding court. 
  5. Will you be my lawyer for the entire case or will it be handed off to someone else in your firm?  If not, ask to interview the lawyer or lawyers who you'll be working with.
  6. Can you give me an estimate of the total costs? This will protect you against surprise fees at the end of the trial. Plus, you'll want to know if the lawyer charges by the hour or the case. 
  7. How will you defend against my blood or breath test? You'll want to hear an answer that clearly conveys the attorney's understanding of testing laws and procedures. 
  8. Have you ever been trained and certified on how to administer your specific state's breath testing machine or device? If the lawyer answers yes, ask to see the certificate. Many DUI cases are won and lost over testing devices.
  9. Are you a member of the National College of DUI Defense? This is a non-profit legal organization designed to help defense attorney's sharpen their skills in defending drunk driving cases. 
  10. Have you ever been invited to speak at DUI seminars for other lawyers? The best DUI attorneys are often invited to serve on the faculty or board of drunk driving legal seminars.

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