| If you have been charged with a DUI offense, then | | | | as designation. |
| you need to read this article before you go to court. If | | | | If not, try to determine if your prospective lawyer is |
| you are thinking of representing yourself, stop and think | | | | familiar with those issues that are peculiar to DUI |
| again. DUI defense is not a "do it yourself" project. | | | | defense. Some of these issues include the use of an |
| Instead, you need to find a lawyer that specializes in | | | | intoxilyzer, diabetes and hypoglycemia, horizontal gaze |
| DUI defense. | | | | and nystagmus, and other such tests. You will pay |
| Sure, a DUI attorney costs more, but you are also | | | | more for a DUI attorney with this sort of specialized |
| getting more expertise and competence in this area; | | | | knowledge, but are you really in a position to mount a |
| and, he will expect to be paid for his efforts. So, take | | | | defense "on the cheap?" |
| some time and read this short guide to selecting a DUI | | | | Paying Your DUI Attorney |
| attorney. You might just save yourself a lot of time | | | | An attorney that specializes in DUI defense is going to |
| and money. | | | | charge a higher fee than a general practitioner or |
| DUI Is A Serious Criminal Offense | | | | criminal attorney. They have specialized knowledge |
| DWI is a serious offense even though it is a | | | | that you need and they know that their services |
| misdemeanor. Every time an innocent person is killed | | | | command a higher rate of compensation. Do not |
| by a drunk driver the media sensationalizes the event. | | | | hesitate to discuss the matter of attorney's fees early |
| As a result, juries have become much less tolerant or | | | | in the conversation with your attorney. You will |
| drunk drivers and are more likely to give the offender | | | | probably be quoted one of two types of fee |
| a heavier sentence. I do not know whether or not you | | | | arrangements. Either the attorney will agree to take |
| are guilty of the offense as charged. | | | | the case for a flat fee or an hourly rate. |
| Assuming you are, then we both know that you | | | | In either case, you will be required to post a retainer (or |
| already made one serious mistake in judgment. Do not | | | | down payment) for your lawyer's services. The |
| make another mistake by attempting to represent | | | | balance of the fee is due before trial and you will owe |
| yourself. Going to court by yourself is a ridiculous | | | | it regardless of the outcome. |
| move that will only cost you lots of time and money. | | | | Drunk Drivers Have No Business Representing |
| Worse, it could cost you your job, freedom, family or | | | | Themselves |
| loved ones. Under the best outcome, the fines, fees | | | | DWI litigation is complex. You probably understand that |
| and costs assessed by the court can cripple you | | | | when it comes to a DWI, your defense is not "do it |
| financially. Do not be the fool that represents himself. | | | | yourself" project. Instead, you need to find a |
| Get a DUI attorney you can trust. | | | | competent DUI attorney that is going to make the |
| DUI Attorneys Are Criminal Specialists | | | | state prove their case. He will have the knowledge |
| All DUI lawyers practice criminal law, but not all criminal | | | | and expertise to challenge the evidence and raise all |
| attorneys can try a DUI case. DWI attorneys engage | | | | likely and legitimate defenses. |
| in a specialized practice. You are not in a position to | | | | Yes, he will charge more. But, when you are charged |
| trust your defense to just any criminal attorney. | | | | with a serious criminal offense, you cannot afford to |
| Instead, try to find an attorney that has a DUI | | | | be cheap. |
| specialization or certification, if your state bar has such | | | | |