DUI Lawyer – What Are Your Chances?

DUI stands for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.  Some states may classify this as a driving while intoxicated (DWI) or operating while impaired (OWI).  If you are arrested for a DUI, DWI or OWI, it is highly recommended that you seek professional counsel from a reputable DUI lawyer.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an estimated 12,998 people were killed in alcohol-impared driving crashes in 2007.  Other agencies report that over 50% of all fatal crashes involving two or more cars are alcohol related.  Driving under the influence is a serious crime that not only could cost you your freedom, but also create a financial burdon when you factor in court costs and the cost of a DUI lawyer.  According to CostHelper at http://www.costhelper.com/cost/finance/dui-attorney.html, the hourly rate for a DUI lawyer is between $100 and $300 per hour.  To retain the services of a DUI lawyer, plan on paying $500 to $5,000 for a plea bargain and upwards of $25,000 or more if your case goes to trial.  Many factors, such as your past criminal record, related injuries and evidence, will have an affect on the overall cost of your defense.

When hiring a DUI lawyer, you must do some investigative work to make sure the DUI lawyer you hire is properly trained and certified to handle your defense.  The market is saturated with attorneys and not all will be capable of handling your case.  Some things to consider when choosing a DUI lawyer will be:

1.  How many years has the DUI lawyer practiced law
2.  How many DUI cases has he or she defended
3.  Has he or she taken or attended any advance courses on DUI defense techniques and is he or she properly trained to defend against evidence obtained from field sobriety and chemical tests
4.  Has he or she ever been disciplined by the state or American Bar Association

Although there may be several other factors you may want to include in your “investigation”, certainly don’t forget to inquire about the fees charged by the DUI lawyer.  He or she will probably need a retainer up front and should be able to provide you a statement reflecting his or her hourly rates and any additional charges.

So what are your chances of beating a DUI charge?  Well to be honest, your chances greatly, if not wholly, depend on the amount of money you have to spend and on the experience of your DUI lawyer.  Your chances of beating a DUI charge may also depend on the inexperience of the police officer who arrested you on the charge.  To learn more about beating a DUI charge, please take time to visit http://www.1800dialdui.com/CM/Custom/TOC40WaystoBeataDUI.asp.  Here you will find 40 ways to beat a DUI.  It may not hurt to study the list provided to see if any of the suggestions apply to your arrest.  If so, make it a point to discuss your concerns with your DUI lawyer.

To locate a DUI lawyer in your city, please visit FindLaw at http://dui.findlaw.com/.  Please don’t forget to do your homework before selecting a DUI lawyer.  You’ll only get one shot to defend yourself, make it a good one!