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In order
to get the best representation it is important to hire an
attorney that concentrates his practice in the defense of DWI
cases.
Many people are under the mistaken impression that just
because a person is a lawyer that means he can handle any case
just as well as any other lawyer. This is the farthest from the
truth. Law is a very vast and diverse area encompassing civil
and as well as criminal manners.
Defending a DWI is a very complex task. It is one of the few
areas in criminal law where the prosecution witnesses are almost
entirely composed of police officers as witnesses, and where the
prosecution has scientific evidence at their disposal. Moreover,
with the pressure that organizations like MADD exert on the
Court, as well as the District Attorney's office, getting a fair
disposition of your case has become increasing difficult.
A qualified lawyer not only must know the in and outs of the DWI
Laws, but he must possess vast amount of technical knowledge
concerning the workings of the breath test machine, and police
procedures concerning Standard Field Sobriety Tests. Common
sense tells you that if the person defending you doesn't know
how the machine works, and its weak points, or how Standard
Field Sobriety Tests should be administered, then how can the
person possibly defend you effectively.
When interviewing a lawyer, first find out how much of his
practice deals with DWI cases. Question him about how the
machine works and it's weaknesses. Find out if he has trial
experience. Many lawyers who represent people charged with DWI's
have little or no trial experience in the area. Ask him if he
belongs to any organizations that deal with the defense of
people charged with DWI's. How many seminars he attends
concerning the defense of DWI's. How many periodicals he
subscribes to concerning DWI defense. As a general rule, the
more educated your lawyer is on the area of DWI, the better he
will be able to represent you.
In agreeing to a price, remember to get all the terms in
writing. Price is not always a good indicator of a person's
ability to represent you. The cheapest price is usually not the
best price. Remember, like anything else, you get what you pay
for and when you have so much riding on your case it is
important not to be penny wise and dollar foolish.
In order to find a qualified DWI lawyer ask around the local
court. Most of the court personal, legal aid lawyers, or court
officers know which lawyers are the most experienced at handling
DWI cases. For those in the Nassau/Suffolk County area call my
office at (516) 794-3500 for a free consultation. Also by
contacting the National College For DUI Defense located in
Houston Texas, (713) 223-1719 or National DWI Defenders Network
in Georgia, (404) 853-5080, one can find some of the leading DWI
Lawyers in your area.
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