One of the biggest initial challenges a person charged with a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) faces is what type of attorney they should hire to defend their case.  Here are some criteria to consider:

Experience, Commitment and Communication.

EXPERIENCE- A person charged with a DUI needs an attorney who has detailed knowledge of DUI law in their state.  DUI law is very complex, and the prospective attorney should have a practice which is either devoted to or primarily consists of DUI defense.  This experience translates into knowledge of the law, the local courts, judges, prosecutors, administrative hearing examiners and law enforcement.  It also means that attorney has been through all phases a DUI case- from the first appearance all the way through a jury trial.  An experienced DUI attorney will also have contacts for experts and investigators that can be utilized in defending a DUI charge.  Ask him/her about other cases similar to your own where the attorney has achieved success.  While the attorney cannot divulge anything specific, your circumstances should not be unfamiliar and the attorney should be able to relay tactics on how he/she has proceeded in passed similarly situated cases.

COMMITMENT- In most areas throughout the country, a person who is charged with a DUI has many choices of attorneys to pick from.  A DUI attorney needs to have a commitment to their client to do everything possible to achieve the best possible outcome in their case.  So many attorneys believe a client should simply plead guilty as charged at the earliest moment possible.  Dependent on your circumstances, this may be the most logical step but be sure that you are fully aware of the results.  If you have any doubt, push on with the attorney to find a solution more suitable to your conditions.  It is incumbent on every person who hires a DUI attorney that they believe their attorney has their best interests at heart.  That attorney should leave no stone unturned when defending a DUI.

COMMUNICATION- DUI is one of the most common types of charge a law-abiding person may face.  That being said, it is typical that a person charged with DUI has never been in the criminal justice system (as a defendant) before.  It is a fearful and bewildering experience.  It is absolutely imperative that a person feel that they have an open line of communication with their attorney.  They should never feel bad for calling their attorney with a question or concern.  A DUI attorney should be responsive and always return unanswered calls in a timely fashion.  This open line of communication will offset the fear and uncertainty throughout the process.  Insure that that attorney is also comfortable in communicating with you in your first language.