Lawyers are trained to recognize and understand aspects of the law that we common folk may not even know exist. As such, they comprehend the ins and outs of the law, knowing what to question and when, how to find loopholes, and even learning when they can request that evidence be suppressed, or be declared inadmissible as evidence during the trial. Here are just a few common questions and answers regarding DUI, driving under the influence, lawyers, their importance, and how to become one.
Can anyone become a DUI lawyer?
No. Like doctors, lawyers must be trained to specialize in DUI law in a given state. There are not nearly as many DUI lawyers in the United States as one might imagine, as most lawyers who will represent someone charged with a DUI are criminal lawyers. Criminal lawyers understand DUI law, but few choose to specialize in these cases.
Does a lawyer have to go back to school to train for DUI specialization?
No. However, specialization in DUI defense requires a great deal of advanced training in all aspects of DUI defense such as field sobriety testing, breath testing equipment operation, forensics training, certification courses, etc. Anything the police officer or state’s chemist knows about DUIs, the DUI defense attorney should know as well.
If I pay to hire a DUI lawyer versus a court-appointed lawyer, will I be guaranteed no jail time?
Paying for a DUI lawyer cannot guarantee your freedom, and having a court-appointed lawyer will not guarantee a conviction. There are many variables to consider, and each case and individual are different. Each variable can cause a potentially different outcome.
Why should I retain a DUI specialist if a court-appointed lawyer can do just as good a job?
This question can best be answered by an example. If you have a problem with your heart, you don’t go to the podiatrist. The podiatrist specializes in feet while a cardiologist specializes in problems with the heart. Whenever you have a legal problem, it is best dealing with the attorney who specializes or concentrates their practice on that area.
Tags: DUI defense, DUI defense attorney, DUI Laws, DUI lawyer, specialist
