California Drunk Driving Lawyers

After getting arrested for driving under the influence and losing his or her license, a driver is usually under a tremendous amount of stress. It is important, however, for the driver to take control of the situation as soon as possible. If the driver is truly intoxicated, that may take some time, and he or she may not be able to make the best choices. When it comes time to make that one call, the driver should contact a family member or friend who can then contact a qualified California DUI lawyer.

Not every lawyer is an expert on California DUI law, and even if the driver knows a "good" lawyer, it will be in the driver's best interest to find a lawyer who works exclusively with DUI cases. An expert California DUI lawyer can mean the difference between jail time and a dismissal. The Martindale-Hubbell International Directory of Attorneys ranks lawyers on the basis of their performance and can be an excellent free referral resource.

Where to Search

With the advent of the Internet, one of the fastest ways to find qualified DUI lawyers is online. Typically, phone books and billboards were the first choice for those looking for the best lawyers, but all of that has changed. No matter who is conducting the search for the best DUI lawyer, it is critical to get as much information as possible about the lawyer's background, years of experience, and expertise before making a decision.

Many lawyers display this information on their websites so that, for example, it may be possible to discover that a specific lawyer spent 10 or 20 years as a California police officer before getting a law degree. That experience gives the lawyer unique insight into what the driver will be facing. If the lawyer is part of a group, the driver may get the benefit of additional expertise as well. Whatever lawyers the driver is considering, it is also important to look at any client comments posted on the website as well and to take action to engage a qualified lawyer as quickly as possible.