If you are looking for lawyer to represent you on a DWI charge you are probably confused about all of the claims you see on the internet, and in other advertising. DWI defense is one of the most competitive areas of law. Most lawyers believe they are qualified to handle a DWI. However, just because a lawyer understands how to defend other cases doesn't mean they know how to defend a DWI case.

DWI is a complex area of law that requires knowing of more than just "the law"

There are potentially more issues in a routine DWI case than almost any other criminal law. A thorough understanding of traffic law, as well as the law of search and seizure is necessary, since that is how most cases start. If there are issues with the traffic stop, the whole case may be thrown out.

Handling a DWI case also requires knowing the science as well as the law. Most DWI cases involve breath or blood testing. You cannot properly defend a case unless you thoroughly understand how those tests work, the science behind them, and how they can be challenged. You can't get that knowledge without putting in the time - which means going to advanced training, and conitnuing education programs.

Almost all DWI cases also involve Field Sobriety Tests (FST's). There are a number of issues of those, and the research supporting them is shaky at best. You must understand those tests, and how they can be challeged, to properly defend a DWI case.

Don't fall for the Internet Hype and the "Top 100 sites"

There has been an increase in the number of "Top 100" or "Top 10" lawyers in the last few years. While that sounds impressive, it doesn't mean anything. The only requirement to be listed is to pay a fee. There is no screening or selection process. In fact, if you look at most of those lists, you will find far more than 100 or 10 lawyers listed. Hopefully this form of advertising will be regulated soon because it is extremeley misleading. For now though, you need to be aware of what it really is.

There are some legitimate sites you can look for. Texas has a Board Certification system for criminal defense lawyers. To become board certified you must obtain recommendations from judges and lawyers you work with, possess a substantial amount of experience, and pass a comprehensive test. Certification must be renewed every five years, so you can't simply get it and do nothing else.

There are also two rating services that are based on peer reviews and recommendations. Those are Martindale-Hubbell and Avvo.

Get the information you  need now

We have a free book that will guide you through the process of selecting a lawyer to represent you in your DWI case. You can that by simply going here, or clicking on the image to teh right. It will be delivered instantly to you. In that guide you will find information such as:

  • The 10 questions you must ask any lawyer before you  hire them
  • How the cut through the Internet Hype and BS, and
  • 18 things to look for to make sure you don't lose a winnable case

If you are believe we are the right lawyer for you, we would love to talk to you. Just give us a call at 254-781-3580, or  fill out the contact form on this page.

For more information breath testing see our series on Challenging a Blood Test Part One and Part Two

For more information on Challeging a Breath Test check out this article

Walter Reaves
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Criminal Defense Attorney Walter Reaves has been practicing law for over 35 years.