I have repeatedly written in the past about the criterium to employ when selecting a Seattle DUI Attorney. It all centers around experience and connection. There are many great attorneys who do a fantastic job representing people accused of a Washington State DUI. Since DUI defense is really a subsection a particular practice of law (criminal defense), these attorneys typically have years of experience and specialized training in the field.

In order to ensure the attorney possesses the necessary skills to defend a Washinton State DUI case, I have come up with a list of 5 questions to ask a potential Seattle DUI lawyer:

1. How many DUI cases have you handled throughout the course of your career?

2. Currently, what percent of your caseload is related to DUI charges?

3. How many DUI cases have you taken to motions or trial?

4. What type of supplemental training have you received in the field of DUI defense?

5. How often have you appeared in the jurisdiction where this DUI charge will be filed?

Experience is not gained by merely appearing on a few occassions for a DUI case to ultimately have a client who pleads guilty. It is also comes from actual litigation of a DUI case. While most DUI cases ultimately do not go to trial, many proceed to a motions (evidentiary) hearing where key legal issues are litigated with the goal of suppression of evidence.

Experience is further gained by an attorney's additional training in the field of DUI defense. This is done in several ways including attending local or national seminars or specializied training in the field tests or the breath test program. This provides lawyers with necessary skills that dramatically help when breaking down and undermining the government's case against the accused.

No one ever wants to be in the position where they need to hire a DUI lawyer. But if that unfortunate situation presents itself, it is very important they hire an attorney who has the experience and knowledge to best represent them.