Hiring a DUI Lawyer

Hiring a DUI lawyer should be your first step after being arrested and charged with driving under the influence. Because the penalties for even a first offense are so great, it is important to have an experienced lawyer on your side to uphold your rights and challenge the prosecution’s evidence against you.

DUI law is an extremely complicated field. Due to public pressure on politicians to crack down on drunk driving, DUI laws are constantly changing. It is important to hire a DUI lawyer who keeps up with the current laws as well as the latest defense strategies and technology. We interviewed William Head, an experienced Atlanta DUI attorney, for this piece and he said "A good DUI lawyer is aware of the weaknesses and issues with chemical and field sobriety testing, and they use this information to poke holes in the prosecution’s case."

A lawyer who focuses exclusively on DUI law can carefully investigate details of your case that can be used in your favor. For example, if the officer did not have probable cause to pull you over or search your vehicle, evidence, or even your case, may be thrown out. Likewise, if the breathalyzer machine was not calibrated or maintained properly, this evidence may not be used.

Hiring a DUI lawyer can be a daunting process, especially if you have never had the need for one in the past. It is a good idea to ask friends and family members for a referral. If they cannot refer a lawyer, you can check with your state’s bar or even the court house.

Many DUI lawyers offer free initial consultations in order to discuss your case and determine if you need legal representation. Some lawyers, however, do charge for this initial consultation, so it is important to ask first. During your consultation, you should also ask the lawyer about his or her fees. Some DUI attorneys charge flat fees, while some charge by the hour. If this is your first offense, with no extenuating circumstances such as causing property damage or injuries, your case should not take as much time as if you are facing multiple charges or have prior DUIs on your record. After your consultation, the lawyer should provide you with a detailed fee agreement—it is crucial that you read this before signing anything.

It is important to remember that a DUI arrest does not always lead to a DUI conviction. By hiring a DUI lawyer, you can increase the chances of a positive outcome for your DUI case.