When Do You Need To Hire A DUI Attorney

San Diego’s Premier DUI Law Firm

Do You Really Need An Attorney For Your DUI?

Most attorneys will tell you that you absolutely need a private attorney to defend you against a charge of driving under the influence (DUI). Attorney G. Cole Casey does not necessarily believe this is true. In many routine DUI cases, the public defender will do a fine job for the defendant, assuming they qualify for a free public defender. So when do you need an attorney, and what kind of attorney should you look for?

People need an attorney when they have a lot to lose personally or professionally. For example, they may face serious consequences if they have multiple DUI convictions, face a felony conviction, caused an accident that injured someone or stand to lose their professional license if convicted. In cases like these, you do need a skilled attorney to help you navigate the difficulties involved. At The Law Offices of G. Cole Casey, our team is 100% dedicated to DUI defense. We only take on those cases where our clients need top-notch representation and we know we can provide the help they need.

What To Look For In An Attorney

Only you know what is most important to you in your DUI defense. When looking for an attorney, make sure that person not only understands your needs but can deliver the defense you need as well. For example, if you are a doctor concerned about your medical license, make sure your attorney is familiar with the process of going before the medical board. Other things to look for include:

  • Experience with DUI defense: Many attorneys practice more than one area of law, and criminal defense lawyers may get their starts working as prosecutors. DUI defense requires a specific skill set very different from DUI prosecution. Attorney Casey has nearly 25 years of experience doing DUI defense in the San Diego area.
  • Reputation and involvement: How well-known is the attorney in the community? Do they have client recommendations? Our lawyer has won many awards and accolades and has been asked to teach other lawyers about DUI defense on multiple occasions. In fact, he has been on the faculty at the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD) held at Harvard University in Cambridge. The California DUI Lawyers Association (CDLA) has designated Mr. Casey as a “Specialist Member” due to his experience and background. In addition, Mr. Casey spent seven years on the CDLA board of directors.
  • Success rate with DUI defense cases: Make sure you find out their success rate in DUI defense, specifically. You may quickly find that they have less experience in defense work than you thought if most of their wins were as a prosecutor.

Don’t be afraid to ask any prospective attorney questions about their background and experience. At The Law Offices of G. Cole Casey, we offer free initial consultations so both sides can make sure that we are the right match for your case.

Find Out More About Our Firm

Discover what we can do to help you protect your future by scheduling a free initial consultation. You can either send us an online message or call our office at (888) 412-6491.

AWARDS & ASSOCIATIONS

Since the establishment of this law firm in 1998, we have strived to provide our clients with the highest quality representation and a level of customer service that is unparalleled by any firm anywhere.
  • Super Lawyers
  • The National College for DUI Defense
  • California DUI Lawyers Association
  • Avvo Rating 10
  • Best of the Bar
  • National Trial Lawyers
  • Trial Skills University
  • Avvo Clients' Choice Award

Our FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 888-412-6491 today!

  • I was not drunk. Can I be charged with DUI for smoking marijuana or taking prescription medications?
    If you were arrested for DUI but didn’t have alcohol in your system, you can still be charged with DUI. There are a number different charges associated with misdemeanor and felony DUI. You can be charged with an (f) count if you consumed any intoxicating drugs, regardless of whether they are illegal or prescription. But, if you were under the influence of both alcohol and drugs, then you can be charged with an (e) count for driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
  • Aren’t the police supposed to read me my Miranda rights?
    It seems like common sense that an officer must read you your Miranda rights. Although this is true in a situation where you are being interrogated, for purposes of DUI, you don’t have that same right. Many times an officer will ask you questions prior to administering field sobriety tests and placing you under arrest. These questions have been classified as “pre-investigatory” questions and are not subject to Miranda. Therefore, it is important you speak with an experience DUI Defense Firm to know whether or not the failure to read you your rights will affect your case.
  • I was involved in an accident and someone was injured. Will I be charged with a Felony?
    Maybe. You can be charged with Felony DUI whenever anyone other than yourself is injured. Even if the injuries were to a friend and their injuries are minor, you can still be charged with a felony. Penalties for a Felony DUI can be severe because your can face time in prison.

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