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.

DWI is a serious offense even though it is a misdemeanor. Every time an innocent person is killed by a drunk driver the media sensationalizes the event. As a result, juries have become much less tolerant or drunk drivers and are more likely to give the offender a heavier sentence. I do not know whether or not you are guilty of the offense as charged.

Assuming you are, then we both know that you already made one serious mistake in judgment. Do not make another mistake by attempting to represent yourself. Going to court by yourself is a ridiculous move that will only cost you lots of time and money. Worse, it could cost you your job, freedom, family or loved ones. Under the best outcome, the fines, fees and costs assessed by the court can cripple you financially. Do not be the fool that represents himself. Get a DUI attorney you can trust.

All DUI lawyers practice criminal law, but not all criminal attorneys can try a DUI case. DWI attorneys engage in a specialized practice. You are not in a position to trust your defense to just any criminal attorney. Instead, try to find an attorney that has a DUI specialization or certification, if your state bar has such as designation.

If not, try to determine if your prospective lawyer is familiar with those issues that are peculiar to DUI defense. Some of these issues include the use of an intoxilyzer, diabetes and hypoglycemia, horizontal gaze and nystagmus, and other such tests. You will pay more for a DUI attorney with this sort of specialized knowledge, but are you really in a position to mount a defense “on the cheap?”

You can expect a DUI attorney to charge a larger fee for his services because of his specialized knowledge and experience. Discuss legal fees with your attorney early on in the interview. You will probably be charged a flat fee or an hourly rate.

In either case, you will be required to post a retainer (or down payment) for your lawyer’s services. The balance of the fee is due before trial and you will owe it regardless of the 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.

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