what is it like working as a dui lawyer

A DUI attorney is technically a criminal defense lawyer with specialized training and experience in cases regarding drivers charged with DUI. Additionally, DUI attorneys help their clients understand the charges they’re facing, draw a legal strategy, represent their client in court, and handle any administrative task that concerns the case.

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Where can I get a lawyer for a DUI in California?

Apr 12, 2022 · A good DUI defense lawyer will help you carry out a thorough investigation of the case. An inquiry can unravel facts that could work in your favor. A knowledgeable DUI attorney knows what facts to look for and dig out. Contact Bateman Law Firm for …

What is a DWI/DUI?

Apr 07, 2022 · As a part of my series about “5 things I wish someone told me when I first became an attorney” I had the pleasure of interviewing Myles L. Berman.. Myles L. …

What does a criminal lawyer do?

Working with an attorney on your DUI case makes it easier to navigate the court system, which is a complicated procedure. In addition, statistics show that people with an attorney representing them have better chances of a favorable outcome than those who represent themselves.

What happens if you get a DUI or DWI in Florida?

A DUI attorney is an expert in the specific DUI laws related to their practice state. Your primary role is to explain the charges to your client, recommend the best course of action to take, and represent your client in court.

What is a Bakersfield DUI attorney?

Bakersfield DUI Attorneys is a criminal defense law firm that helps people charged with DUI offenses in California. Our firm is based in Bakersfield and consists of a team of well-educated and dedicated attorneys.

What is the DMV hearing?

The DMV hearing and your criminal case are two different procedures, but both are important. Our attorneys take advantage of these hearings to question police officers, learning the circumstances of the DUI investigation (at the DUI stop), the arrest, and the post-arrest procedures the officer followed.

Is a trial a time consuming process?

Trials are usually lengthy, time-consuming, and uncertain in terms of their outcome. We understand that preparation is critical to the outcome of the case if the case goes to trial. We are always ready for the eventuality, and our attorneys have a proven track record in handling their cases during a trial.

Should I plead guilty to a DUI?

At this stage, you should take a plea as either guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The plea you take will depend on your expectations. You should plead not guilty if you intend to challenge the DUI charges and "Guilty" or "No contest" if you do not wish to challenge the charges.

What Is A DUI Lawyer?

A DUI attorney represents a person arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The judicial process can be quite long for this type of conviction.

When You May Need A DUI Attorney

The courts take drunk or impaired driving seriously, especially since it can be deadly to other motorists.

How Often Do Dui Cases Go To Trial?

Realistically, DUI cases sometimes don’t go to trial often enough. The unfortunate thing is that when it comes to a DUI case, there are many problems involved.

When Is It Necessary To Hire An Attorney For Driving Under The Influence (DUI) Charge?

In the US, it is considered a felony driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI, driving under the influence ). That is why the charges for this crime are brought to a criminal court. You have the right to represent yourself in this court. However, in most cases, defendants hire a private attorney or use a court-appointed public defender.

1. Refusing a Blood or Breath Test is Not an Admission of Guilt

Georgia law only provides for a presumption of the presence of a prohibited substance in your system if you refuse to take a State-Administered Blood or Breath test in a DUI case.

2. If You Refuse the Test You Will NOT Definitely Lose Your License for One Year

If you refuse to take a breath or blood test, a license suspension is not automatic. If you send a letter with the $150 filing fee to the Georgia Department of Driver Services within ten business days of your arrest a drivers license hearing will be scheduled with your arresting officer at the Office of State Administrative Hearings.

3. You Can Beat a Breath or Blood Test Result DUI – It is Not Hopeless

Because there are many opportunities for a strong defense in cases with State-administered results, we regularly beat DUI cases with blood and/or breath tests as evidence. For one, was the stop legal? Many cases can be dismissed because of illegal stops.

4. Field Sobriety Tests Are Not Reliable Indicators of Alcohol Impairment

The three most commonly used field sobriety evaluations are the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test, or eye jerking test, the nine step walk and turn, and the 30 second one leg stand. These tests supposedly correlate specific clues with blood alcohol levels, but not “impairment” as so often testified to by police on the witness stand.

6. The State-Administered Breath Test at the Jail or Police Station, the Intoxilyzer 5000, is Not Always Accurate and Can be Beaten in Court

The Intoxilyzer 5000 alcohol breath test machine is flawed, because it has to make assumptions. It assumes, for one, that your body temperature is normal. If you have a fever, every degree of body temperature variation from normal will cause a 7% change in the breath test result. It assumes your “partition ratio” is 1:2100.

7. The Legal Limit of 0.08 BAC is Not Necessarily Drunk

Most people think that if you blow over 0.08 (the legal limit for BAC in Georgia) that you are drunk. Not true. Most people can perform field tests quite well at the .08 level and not have slurred speech, stagger or stumble. They are simply not be drunk, although they may not be sober. Alcohol affects different people differently.

9. If Your Attorney Tells You to Plead Guilty at Arraignment, He Probably Has Not Done His Job

Most Courts don’t provide attorneys with needed evidence to evaluate your case until at least after arraignment and sometimes not until 10 days before trial. Before you plea, make sure your lawyer has reviewed the police report and video tape.

Where do criminal lawyers work?

Most criminal lawyers work in private practice or in a solo firm. Some work for non-profit agencies or for the government as public defenders. Criminal lawyers often work long, irregular hours. They frequently meet with clients outside their office at the courthouse, prisons, hospitals and other venues.

How much does a criminal lawyer make?

Public defender and non-profit salaries are usually modest (the $30,000 to $50,000 range is common).

What are the skills required to become a criminal lawyer?

Criminal lawyers must possess a variety of additional skills to succeed in their jobs, including the following: Writing and speaking skills: Excellent oral and written advocacy skills in order to argue a client's case before a judge and persuade a jury.

What is the best way to become a lawyer?

Legal knowledge and experience: In-depth understanding of state, federal and local rules, court procedures, evidentiary laws, and local judges to navigate the criminal justice system efficiently and competently. Interpersonal skills: Excellent interpersonal skills are necessary to build a strong client-attorney relationship.

How long does it take to become a criminal lawyer?

Education: Like all lawyers, criminal lawyers must first complete a bachelor's degree, then obtain a law degree. The two degrees typically take a total of seven years to complete. License: Criminals attorneys must pass the bar examination in the state in which they intend to practice. Certification: Some criminal lawyers earn a board certification ...

What is the growth in criminal law in 2026?

According to the BLS, the growth in jobs for all attorneys, including criminal attorneys, from 2016-2026 relative to other occupations and industries is 8%.

What is a criminal lawyer?

Criminal lawyers, also known as criminal defense lawyers and public defenders, work to defend individuals, organizations, and entities that have been charged with a crime.

How long can you go to jail for a first DUI?

Jail Time. In most states, a first-offense DUI or DWI is classified as a misdemeanor and punishable by no more than six months or a year in jail. However, in a few states, the maximum jail time for a first DUI is even shorter. For example, the maximum jail time for a first DWI in New Jersey is 30 days. And, although it's uncommon, there are states ...

How long can you go to jail for a DUI in Colorado?

But the maximum jail time for a first, second, and third DUI in Colorado is one year —the same for all three offenses. Lots of other circumstances can also affect the amount of jail time you can expect for a DUI conviction.

How long is a DUI suspension?

For example, in California, the suspension period for a first DUI conviction is six months, second DUI conviction is two years, and third DUI conviction is three years.

How long does a DUI stay on your record?

And a DUI conviction stays on a person's driving record for many years.

How old do you have to be to drive with alcohol in your system?

Most states have zero-tolerance laws that prohibit drivers who are younger than 21 years old to drive with even a small amount of alcohol in their system. Zero-tolerance offenses typically don't carry jail time but will result in license suspension and fines.

Does a DUI result in a fine?

DUI convictions almost always result in fines. DUI fines vary quite a bit by state. But, generally, the same kinds of factors that increase jail time also increase the amount of the fine the driver can expect to pay.

Can you get a hardship license for a DUI?

It's sometimes possible for a motorist to obtain a " hardship license " to drive to and from places like work and school during a DUI suspension. Some states take further steps to make sure the person (particularly a repeat offender) doesn't get back on the road while under the influence.

Going to prison tomorrow

Accepting a plea deal tomorrow morning for my felony dui with injuries. Florida, dui involving a crash with the victim having broken ribs. 10k for a lawyer, 30k restitution and 13 months in prison, 10ish with good behavior, 4 years probation, no drivers license for 3 years and I’ll be a felon for life. No expungement in Florida.

Got sentenced today for 1st offense California dui BAC .13 no aggravated factors (Sonoma county) With PD

I got arrested for dui back in oct. Spent 4 days in jail. I thought my life was over.

Sentenced today

FL DUI- Had my day in court today. Pulled over on October 21st for my headlights being off and blew a .22, immediately got a lawyer.

Crashed car and first DUI

I don't post on reddit too frequently but it would be nice to talk to you guys.

DUI Penalties - Too Harsh or Not Enough?

Most everyone agrees that driving under the influence is dangerous, wrong and should be punished. Enforcement, incarceration and penalties have increased substantially. Many feel and some data suggests they have gone too far while others seek even stiffer penalties and restrictions.

First (and last) dui just got wrapped up - IL

Got pulled over around 6-7 months ago was going 55 in a 25. Ended up blowing a .18. Also said I ran a red light. Took me to the station and I was just sitting on a bench for 3 hours then they let me go.