Hiring a DUI Attorney

Even if you have been charged with misdemeanor DUI (driving under the influence), it is important to hire an experienced DUI defense lawyer to handle your case. The consequences for a DUI, even a first-time offense, include jail time, probation, high fines, and a lengthy driver's license suspension.

You may be tempted to just plead guilty or to try to represent yourself to save money. This may be a costly decision if you are convicted or face increased penalties. An experienced DUI attorney knows the best defense strategies that will help your case. He or she will spend time investigating your case and utilizing expert witnesses to bolster your defense.

Hiring a DUI defense attorney is a confusing process. It may be tempting to flip through the yellow pages to find an attorney, but this is not advisable. Because states frequently change their DUI laws, it is important to find an attorney who devotes his practice to DUI defense. It is also beneficial to have an attorney representing you who is familiar with individual judges, prosecutors and court clerks.

The next step in hiring a DUI defense attorney is to examine their credentials. Did he or she graduate from a prestigious law school? How many years has he or she been practicing law? You should find out if the attorney is AV rated - this is the highest rating possible. It is also important to find out which professional legal organizations the attorney is a member of.

Please remember that there is nothing wrong with speaking to more than one defense attorney. It is important to find an attorney that you feel comfortable with. You want someone who will take the time to explain your rights and your case options with you.

It is also important that you openly discuss the attorney's fees. The cost is normally dependant on the complexity and jurisdiction of your case.

Most attorneys will ask you to pay a retainer before they get started on your case. For a misdemeanor DUI, this may range from $5,000 to $10,000. For a felony, the retainer can cost you up to $25,000.

While hiring a defense lawyer may be intimidating, it is a wise investment for your future.

States/Abbreviations
AK	Alaska	LA	Louisiana	OH	Ohio
AL	Alabama	MA	Massachusetts	OK	Oklahoma
AR	Arkansas	MD	Maryland	OR	Oregon
AZ	Arizona	ME	Maine	PA	Pennsylvania
CA	California	MI	Michigan	RI	Rhode Island
CO	Colorado	MN	Minnesota	SC	South Carolina
CT	Connecticut	MO	Missouri	SD	South Dakota
DE	Delaware	MS	Mississippi	TN	Tennessee
FL	Florida	MT	Montana	TX	Texas
GA	Georgia	NC	North Carolina	UT	Utah
HI	Hawaii	ND	North Dakota	VT	Vermont
IA	Iowa	NE	Nebraska	VA	Virginia
ID	Idaho	NH	New Hampshire	WA	Washington State
IL	Illinois	NJ	New Jersey	WI	Wisconsin
IN	Indiana	NM	New Mexico	WV	West Virginia
KS	Kansas	NV	Nevada	WY	Wyoming
KY	Kentucky	NY	New York	DC	Washington DC