Answers / DUI / DWI
What kind of lawyer do I need for dui / dwi?
If you have been charged with DUI or DWI, you need a criminal defense attorney who concentrates in impaired-driving cases. A DUI is a criminal charge with two tracks — the court case and a separate driver’s-license suspension — and the license deadline often runs within days of the arrest. A DUI lawyer can challenge the stop, the testing, and the procedure, and may protect your ability to drive.
What kind of lawyer do I need for dui / dwi?
You need a DUI/DWI defense attorney — a criminal defense lawyer who focuses on impaired driving. These cases turn on technical issues (the traffic stop, field sobriety and breath/blood testing, and chain of custody) that a specialist knows how to attack.
How do I find a lawyer who will take my dui / dwi case?
Look for a criminal defense attorney licensed in the state of the arrest who specifically lists DUI/DWI and is accepting cases. Move quickly because of the license deadline. Attorney Match lists attorneys by state and practice area, free to browse.
Can I afford a lawyer for dui / dwi?
DUI defense is typically a flat fee that varies with whether it is a first offense or a repeat, and whether there was an accident or injury. If you cannot afford private counsel and jail is possible, you may qualify for a public defender. Ask about payment plans.
What happens if no lawyer will take my dui / dwi case?
Because a DUI can carry jail time, you generally qualify for a court-appointed public defender if you cannot afford a private attorney — request one at arraignment. Do not let the separate license-suspension deadline pass while you look; you can request the DMV/administrative hearing yourself to preserve your rights.
Signs you likely need a DUI defense attorney
- You were arrested for DUI, DWI, or OWI
- Your license is facing administrative suspension
- It is a repeat offense or involved an accident or injury
- You took (or refused) a breath or blood test
Don’t wait too long
DUI cases have a short, separate deadline to contest the license suspension — often only days after arrest. Act immediately.
Find a DUI defense attorney who will take your case
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Attorney advertising. This page is general legal information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Attorney Match is a technology service, not a law firm, and does not practice law. Matching is not a referral guarantee or an endorsement of any attorney — results vary and no attorney is guaranteed to accept your case. Laws and deadlines differ by state; consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your specific situation.