How To Find The Best DUI/Defense Lawyer For You
By D.Trapp
Ok. So you were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI/DWI). It's bad, yes, but it happens to all types of people and it doesn't make you a terrible person - or necessarily guilty for that matter. Now what are you going to do? You do want to fight it right? Good, because DUI's can cost you over $10k in penalties, legal fees, and rising auto insurance rates, among other things.
Most people use one tried-and-true tactic when it comes to finding legal help - The Yellow Pages. And honestly, while in itself the YP is a great collection of business names and numbers, it's possibly the worst approach to finding the RIGHT lawyer for you. Chances are that catchy full page ad will get your attention first (HINT: they know this!), and yes, it may signify this lawyer is successful enough to have the absurd amount of money to blow on an ad costing $10,000 - $100,000 or more per year, but it doesn't mean they are the best lawyer and it certainly doesn't mean they will do the best possible work for you - because that's all that really matters.
Calling up a DUI lawyer (or any lawyer) out of the phone book or from a t.v. commercial and saying "Are you any good?" is a lot like asking a waitress if their food is good. You're likely not going to hear no, and it's a biased opinion at best. Unfortunately, "Good" doesn't mean you'll get your desired results either - so ultimately it comes down to how strong your case against the DUI (or officers involved) is and the competency of your representation. Experience is key here, you're going to spend upwards of $5,000 fighting this and you want the right person on your side. So, instead of panicking and calling up the first DUI lawyer you find and accepting their pitch right away, call a few lawyers that DO NOT work in that field and ask for a referral (I would recommend contacting a business lawyer as they usually do not handle family or personal criminal cases) making sure to find someone that SPECIALIZES IN DUI DEFENSE. Don't feel bad about asking, most lawyers are happy to help as this business relies on referrals. Granted, this method is not fool-proof, and certainly people can play favorites (or get a commission on referrals), but like any professional field, lawyers know other lawyers and they certainly know the top ones in their respective fields.
I can count one of the top DUI/Defense lawyers in Alaska as a good friend of about 15 years and one thing I've learned from his successful practice is that the majority of referrals come from happy clients and recognition from your peers (i.e. other lawyer referrals) not phone books or television ads.
Good defense lawyers are usually expensive ($200/hr or more), some bill hourly and many charge a flat rate for certain cases, but ultimately a great lawyer will care more about their reputation of meeting or exceeding their client's expectations and their track record of success, than the money involved.
So what are you going to do? Here are the highlights.
- Ask Friends: If it isn't too akward for you to talk to a friend, relative, or an acquaintence when you're in need of a lawyer, this can be a great way to get first-hand experiences and possibly a great referral.
- Ask A Lawyer: Yes, I know, this may sound odd, but, as outlined above, if you contact a lawyer that does not practice law in a specific field you're seeking, they're very likely to refer the best lawyer they know. Call a few lawyers and get as many referrals as you're willing to ask for.
- Find The Right Lawyer: There are many variables that go into the makeup of a great lawyer, but not every great lawyer will be perfect for your specific situation. Make sure your lawyer is highly recommended, can attest to their success rate and specializes in what you need. When it comes to lawyers, there is no substitution for experience and intelligence.
This website and the content herein does not constitute legal advice. You should consult a licensed attorney in your state for advice on specific legal matters.