Six Important Questions to Ask When Hiring a Colorado Springs DUI Attorney/Lawyer

Few offenses call for more legal advice than DUI cases, and at this stressful time it is critical to seek the advice of experienced DUI attorney.  Look for a Colorado DUI lawyer with the knowledge and experience to refute the evidence that the state of Colorado has against you.

If you have been arrested for a DUI offense in Colorado Springs, you could be facing incarceration, driver’s license suspension or revocation and heavy fines.  DUI charges can also put a strain on your family relationships and cause difficulties with your job, car insurance and transportation, not to mention your reputation. 

If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to know your rights.  Hiring an experienced Colorado Springs DUI attorney/ lawyer is a great place to start, but you will need to know the right questions to ask. 

1) Ask for examples of recent DUI and DWAI cases, and when the next one is scheduled.  Your prospective attorney should have years of experience in Colorado Springs and a high level of familiarity with Colorado state DUI law.  If they haven’t handled a DUI case within a few weeks of your consultation, then they are probably not a DUI specialist.  Whenever possible, attend a hearing where they are defending a client against a DUI charge, and make sure you are happy with how well they perform in a courtroom.

2) Do you have any training in the use of SFST, or Standardized Field Sobriety Tests? 
These are the roadside tests that the arresting office most likely ordered you to perform at the scene, and once again the answer should be yes.  An attorney who is familiar with these testing methods will be able to easily refute incomplete or insufficient evidence.

3) What percentage of your practice is dedicated to DUI defense?  This can include vehicular homicide and assault, and the answer should be 50% or higher.  If not, then a firm should be able to assign you to work with an attorney who specializes in DUI defense. 

4) Have you been trained and/or certified on the operation of the Intoxilyzer 5000 breath-testing machine?  Again, the answer should be yes, since many mistakes occur during the breath-test, either because of the operator’s handling of the machine or defects in the machine itself. 

5) Are you familiar with the tests given by a Drug Recognition Expert, or DRE?  If you were examined by a DRE, you were given a more thorough round of tests, including blood-pressure, pupilometer, and some unfamiliar medical tests at the time of your arrest.  A good DUI attorney will be familiar with the type of evidence that will be presented in your case, and will be prepared to present a sound defense on your behalf. 

6) How much formal training have you had in blood testing for DUI cases?
Your potential Colorado Springs DUI attorney should be very familiar with this type of testing, especially if you plan on contesting the blood-alcohol test in your case. 

A DUI charge needs to be taken very seriously if you want to avoid dire consequences.  You will need a Colorado Springs DUI attorney/lawyer who knows the system and will be on your side.  Look for an attorney who know the DA's and the judges and who can step in and take care of your case aggressively and competently.