Some general guidelines when choosing a lawyer to represent you in a DUI case:

A DUI charge can be a traumatic event in anyone's life. DUI has become a very serious charge and even though it is still a misdemeanor in most cases, the penalties can be more serious than if you were convicted of any number of felonies as a first time offender. However, with an experienced attorney, there is hope. While no one can predict the outcome of your case, an experience practitioner is in a unique position to best defend your many rights as one accused of this offense.

Does the lawyer devote most of his/her time to defending DUI cases? DUI laws frequently change and their defense requires an attorney with experience and technical knowledge of the science involved in this area of the law. Finding an attorney with this knowledge and experience who practices exclusively or near exclusively in DUI cases is generally a good idea if you've been charged with this crime. Ask the prospective lawyer how much of his practice involves DUI representation and if he uses expert witness. Ask the prospective lawyer some general questions about the technical science involved in DUI law and find out if he recommends the use of expert witnesses. How many cases has he or she tried?

A few words about attorney's fees. Finding the lowest bidder is not always the right solution. Costs should always be a concern but first, you should make sure that the lawyers you interview have the requisite experience. There are many so called "general practitioners" who may be willing to offer you a rock bottom fee but who lack the experience in this area of law to fully represent you as well as a lawyer whose practice is devoted to this type of representation. There's a lot at stake in your case, make sure you are confident that you have a knowledgeable DUI defense attorney. It's always fine to compare fees between different DUI lawyers regularly engaged in DUI defense.

Don't Delay in finding an experienced attorney for your DUI defense. As soon as you are cited, the clock begins ticking. You will have a deadline to file a notice for hearing with the Department of Licensing and, your arraignment could come within days after your arrest. The best way to preserve your rights is to immediately begin searching for an experienced attorney in DUI law.

Your DUI case needs to be aggressively reviewed and, if applicable, challenged where there are shortcomings. For example:

A. Did the officer have a valid basis to stop you?

B. Was there probable cause to arrest you?

C. Did he perform the roadside tests in accordance with the appropriate standards?

D. Were you advised of your Miranda Warnings?

E. Did he inform you that these tests were voluntary?

F. Were you properly given implied consent warnings prior to taking the breath test?

G. Did he conduct your breath test in accordance with the standards set forth in the Washington Administrative Code?

H. Was the Breath Testing Machine functioning properly and had it been properly maintained?

Here is a commonly asked question about DWI / DUI law:

Q: Am I allowed to represent myself during proceedings? How does retaining an attorney help me?

A: The charges involved in drunken driving are a complex subject and can be difficult to follow. The penalties are becoming gradually more severe and dealing with a case includes a range of administrative license, sentencing, evidentiary, constitutional, and procedural affairs.

A general attorney will have little to offer or possibly even hurt your case because they are generally unqualified or inexperienced for such a particular field.

Comparing a general attorney to a DUI defense attorney is much like comparing a family practitioner to a brain surgeon. A qualified DUI lawyer can do several things to help improve your situation. A DUI attorney knows many of the particulars involved and can request measurements and maintenance records of the breath machine and have blood samples reanalyzed. They can also challenge evidence, look for possible flaws in the case, negotiate reduced penalties and sentences, contest the administrative license suspension, or obtain expert witnesses for the case. An experienced DUI attorney can be very beneficial to you with your case.

Much more information is available at http://duiattorneysandlaws.com: videos, resources, information on laws for all the states of the U.S.

DISCLAIMER: This material and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter