DUI lawyer: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What dui lawyer is

A DUI lawyer provides information about impaired driving charges and may represent a driver in court and in license matters. Drivers look for one after an arrest or citation, often facing both a court case and a separate license process. General information only, with no promised results.

Signs you need it

  • You were arrested or cited for driving under the influence
  • You received a notice about a license suspension connected to the stop
  • You refused or took a chemical test and are unsure what it means
  • Your court date is coming and you do not know what to expect
  • You hold a commercial license or a professional license that may be affected
  • You were involved in a crash and impairment is alleged

What the pro does

  • Review the police report, the reason for the stop and the testing procedures used
  • Explain the court case and the separate license process, if your state has one
  • Request video, test records and other evidence from the prosecution
  • Check deadlines to request a license hearing
  • Talk with the prosecutor about the charge and any offers
  • Represent you at hearings and at trial

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Whether it is a first or repeat charge
  • Whether a crash, injury or high test result is alleged
  • Whether a separate license hearing is needed
  • Whether the case goes to trial
  • Whether experts are needed on testing
  • The court and number of hearings
  • Whether a commercial or professional license is at stake

What a written quote should spell out

  • Whether the fee covers both the criminal case and the license hearing
  • The stages covered: pretrial, motions and trial
  • Costs billed separately, such as experts and records
  • Who will appear with you
  • How deadlines will be tracked

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Do you handle both the court case and the license hearing?
  • What deadlines apply to my license right now?
  • How do you review the stop and the test?
  • What happens if I miss a court date?
  • Do you regularly appear in this court?
  • How might this affect my job or professional license?

Red flags

  • A lawyer who promises a dismissal or a reduced charge
  • Advice to ignore the license notice deadline
  • Pressure to plead before reviewing evidence
  • No written fee agreement

What you can do yourself

Write down what you remember about the stop, save every paper you received, and note the deadlines on them. Do not drive if your license is suspended, and do not discuss the case on social media. Speak with a licensed attorney quickly because license deadlines can be short.

Licenses and permits

DUI lawyers must be licensed attorneys in good standing. Check the license with the state bar.

DUI lawyer questions

Is a license hearing the same as the court case?

In many states they are separate. A licensed attorney can explain how yours works.

Can a lawyer promise to keep my license?

No. A lawyer can explain options and deadlines, but decisions belong to the court and agency.

Should I wait to hire a lawyer?

License deadlines can be short, so contact a licensed attorney soon after the stop.

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