by Joseph Hazelbaker

Created on: May 02, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Unlike people, attorneys are not created equally. Sure, there are good ones and there are bad ones, but there's more to it than that, especially when dealing with a ticket for driving under the influence (DUI). So, how do you pick the right attorney?

First, go local. DUI is a local crime heard by a local judge in a local courtroom. They've got a lot of "locals" there and you want one of your own. Hire a local attorney. They know the inner workings of the court, the buttons to push and avoid when dealing with either the prosecutor or judge, and what the normal practice is in working the best deal for you.

But, don't just grab the local phonebook and do an "eine-meanie-minie-moe." You want a local lawyer that knows DUI law. This area of law is not complicated, if you've been around the block a time or two. It is complicated, if you haven't. More importantly, unseasoned DUI attorneys won't know the judge's predilections about things like administrative license suspensions, or what it'll take to get the prosecutor to agree to amend the charge to reckless operation. The best way to gauge an attorney's experience is to ask.

Finally, gauge your attorney's personality. You want a local, experienced attorney who hasn't already alienated the very people you want him asking for a favor, meaning the prosecutors. If the attorney strikes you as too slick, too arrogant, too aggressive, or too spineless, he or she is probably already treated with disdain by the prosecution. You want part smart, part hard working, with a bit of charisma thrown in.

DUI is a serious offense, with long-term repercussions that affect your long-term bottom line (e.g. higher insurance premiums for the next ten years) as well as your driving privileges. You owe it to yourself to not just hire an attorney, but to find the best lawyer you can.

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