How do I find the best DUI lawyer in Washington, DC for my case?

If you have been charged with driving under the influence in Washington DC, you do not have to simply accept conviction as your fate.  With the help of an experienced DC DUI attorney, you can fight the charge and avoid unnecessary consequences of conviction.  As you begin your search for a DUI defense lawyer, you may be wondering how to find the best DUI lawyer in DC.  Finding an attorney who can provide the legal services you need and tailor a defense specific to your case does not have to be a difficult endeavor.  With a little research, you can find a DUI lawyer in Washington DC whom you can trust to successfully handle your case.

DUI is a crime; therefore, a DUI charge is a criminal case.  When looking for an attorney to represent you, find one who is an experienced criminal defense attorney.  Handling a variety of criminal misdemeanor and felony cases gives an attorney an intimate understanding of the workings of the criminal justice system and what to anticipate from the prosecution.  Whether a DC DUI lawyer has represented clients in private practice or as a public defender in the top-ranked Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS), this courtroom experience allows an attorney the know-how to build a successful defense strategy in a variety of situations.  Furthermore, significant defense experience provides an attorney the opportunity to build a reputation of respect among his or her peers in DC Superior Court.  The admiration of other defense attorneys, prosecutors, and judges may be an indication that a DC DUI lawyer will represent his or her clients with dedication and integrity.

While it is easy to determine the experience of a DUI lawyer in DC, it may be a little more difficult to find out his or her reputation in DC Superior Court.  However, you can gain some perspective by seeing whom the media trusts as one of the best DUI lawyers in DC.  Look through local news stories about DUI cases, traffic offenses, and other stories pertaining to criminal law.  As you read these stories, not the names of attorneys interviewed by the local media and trusted to provide accurate, insightful commentary about community legal issues.

Experience and reputation are certainly important considerations in finding a DC DUI lawyer to represent you, but knowledge in DUI defense is critical.  As you look for a DUI lawyer in DC, ask whether the attorney maintains professional memberships in organizations such as the National College for DUI Defense.  These professional memberships allow lawyers to stay abreast of current issues and trends in DUI law and the science and technology pertaining to intoxication and sobriety testing.

You may also want to consider whether or not a DUI lawyer has specific training in methods of testing for sobriety.  A DUI lawyer who fully understands the administration of sobriety tests and the proper maintenance of testing equipment may be able to more accurately challenge the administration or results of those tests.  A DUI defense lawyer who has been trained in the proper maintenance and testing procedures guiding the use of the the breathalyzer machine used by the Washington DC police department, may be able to determine if your test results were skewed by an improperly calibrated machine.  A DUI lawyer in DC who is qualified as an instructor for the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) may be able to pinpoint any impropriety in the administration of your test.  A full understanding of DUI law and the tools utilized in a DUI arrest can help a DC DUI lawyer build a strong defense for your case.

Just as every DUI case is unique, every defendant has specific wants and needs for his or her legal defense.  As you look for the best DUI attorney in DC to handle your case, consider the legal services you desire and find a lawyer who offers those services.  No attorney is perfect for every client, but by looking for a DUI defense lawyer with experience, integrity, and knowledge, you may find the best DUI lawyer in DC for your individual needs.