Ask: how much experience do you have representing people who are charged with DUI?

DUI defense is too complex to be trusted to someone who is not highly qualified in this field. A lawyer who has been specializing in divorces for many years is experienced only as a divorce lawyer, not as a DUI lawyer. The only way to find out exactly how much experience someone has is to ask directly.

You may believe seeing a lawyer listed in printed or internet lawyer directories, lawyer referral services, or phone directories as a "DUI lawyer" indicates DUI experience, but this is not always true. Lawyers with no direct experience whatsoever can be listed in these resources —they just need to write a check to the publisher.

It is common for attorneys who have had their particular legal specialty slow down or dry up to attempt to develop a DUI practice to increase their income. Make sure the DUI lawyer you’re interviewing wasn’t a real estate closing attorney last year.

You should leave the attorney’s office confident you have spoken to someone who has real expertise and experience in DUI law.