DUI defense is a technical and highly specialized field: Does the lawyer handle DUI cases only — or does he accept other types of criminal or civil cases as well? (This would be like a family doctor attempting brain surgery, cancer research and heart transplants.) What percentage of the attorney's caseload consists of DUI Cases?
Does the lawyer have access to technical expert witnesses in police procedures and blood/breath analysis? Will blood samples be reanalyzed by a lab? Will breathalyzer and maintenance records be obtained?
Does the attorney make promises as to the results he can get in the case? This is something no ethical attorney would do, as specific results are unpredictable.
Are fees fully explained and set forth in a written contract? Is the fee simply an initial retainer, or is it all inclusive? Do the fees cover such "extras" as the DMV license hearing, expert testimony, blood reanalysis, trial, subpoena costs, etc.?
What is the lawyer's rating with the Martindale-Hubbell International Directory of Attorneys? (The highest rating for competence and ethics is AV: "very high to preeminent".)
Did the lawyer attend a reputable law school?
Is he a member of the National College for DUI Defense? Is he Board-certified by that organization?
Have there been any State Bar complaints against the attorney?
The following California lawyers and law firms specialize in drunk driving defense, are members of the National College for DUI Defense and are reported to have excellent reputations in the field:
