How to Find an Arizona DUI Lawyer

Having to find an Arizona DUI lawyer is obviously not something you want to be doing, but if you do find yourself in such a position, it is very important to be able to find someone who is highly knowledgeable about Arizona DUI law. Arizona's DUI laws are some of the strictest in the country, and finding the right representation can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. If you know any lawyers, or know someone who has gone through a DUI or DWI case in Arizona, asking them for a recommendation is a great place to start. A referral from someone you trust is a great resource, so your first step should be to ask around before turning elsewhere.

2. If you aren't lucky enough to have one recommended to you, your next best option is to look for a qualified Arizona DUI lawyer online. Luckily, there are some great resources available on the Internet that can point you in the right direction. They will make finding a good lawyer much easier than digging through your phone book. You can find some of these resources listed below.

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   Once you have found a few potential lawyers, you need to ask them a few important questions. Make sure you speak to the actual attorney who will be representing you, and not a secretary or paralegal, or another attorney in the firm. Many law firms have several lawyers, but they will not all have the same experience and expertise.

4. Ask about the attorney's experience handling DUI cases. Ideally, you want someone who specializes in DUI cases, and of course, the more experience, the better.

5. Ask if he or she will be contacting you regularly about your case. It is important for your lawyer to keep you updated. If your attorney is not going to be available to speak with you personally, look elsewhere.

6. After explaining your case to potential lawyers, ask what specific challenges the lawyer foresees in your case. Every case is different, and any capable Arizona DUI lawyer should know that. For this reason, be wary of any lawyer who "guarantees" a certain outcome. You do not want a lawyer who treats every case the same.

7. Finally, ask about fees. This is the most painful question to ask, since there's never a good answer, but it's also one of the most important. Do not automatically hire the cheapest attorney available. You may be tempted to do so, but you might regret it later. Remember, especially in Arizona, DUI lawyers are vitally important to your case, as they are responsible for helping you walk away with the lightest punishment possible, so do not sacrifice quality for cost.

Tips & Warnings

• Always speak to at least a few different attorneys before making a choice.
• Be honest with your lawyer. Because of the attorney-client privilege, what you tell your lawyer can't be used against you.
• Never drink and drive. Besides being a hazard to yourself and others, there is always the possibility of having to deal with the hassle and expense of a DUI. It isn't worth it.
• The penalties for a DUI get more severe after your first offense. Don't make the same mistake twice.

Resources

• Drunk Driving Defense: How to Beat the Rap (Book)
• Personal Breathalyzer