Do I need a DUI lawyer?



- In almost all situations, the answer is yes. 

- But, the question is the wrong question to ask. Let me explain.



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First, let me get the obvious out of the way.



- I am a DUI lawyer, but I will give you unbiased information that I would want to know if I were charged with a DUI.



So the question, do you need to hire a lawyer when charged with a DUI?



- Generally, the answer is yes.

- DUI is a serious charge with serious and potentially life-changing consequences. And it's best to do all that you can to minimize those consequences.



But the better question to ask is, "should I hire a general criminal lawyer or hire a criminal lawyer specializing in DUI?"



- The answer is a no-brainer.

- Hire a lawyer specializing in DUIs is much better than hiring a general criminal lawyer for your DUI case.



Here are the 3 reasons why. 

Specialists are almost always better than generalists



- There are lots of examples where you will go to a specialist.

- For example, dentistry - When you go to the dentist and need a root canal, most time of the time, you'll be referred to a dentist that specializes in root canals

- Or, eye problems - If your doctor sees that you have a problem with your eye, most of the time, they are going to refer you to an eye doctor

- Or, cancer - If your doctor believes you have cancer, your doctor will refer you to a doctor that specializes in cancer diagnosis and treatments

- Professionals refer these cases because they are so in-depth and serious that they need someone who focuses on these problem areas since they can see problems and see solutions that others cannot.

- DUI law is the ONE area of criminal law that requires someone with an in-depth understanding because they will see potential solutions and opportunities for your DUI case where a general criminal lawyer cannot.



DUI laws change frequently, and you need a lawyer experienced in DUI to keep up with those changes



- DUI laws are complex and deep.

- For context, the Criminal Code has more than 60 pages devoted to DUIs compared to murder which has less than 20 pages.

- DUI laws are complex and often change due to something called "case law." Here's what I mean when I say "case law."

- Laws are written, then "tested in court." A Judge makes a ruling whether that law is right or wrong. And the Judge will explain the law to ensure that the law is followed correctly.

- Those rulings by Judges are known as case law. And they explain the law in detail about how the police and the Crown must conduct themselves.

- Think about it this way. More laws (remember, more than 60 pages in the Criminal Code) = more case law = lots of detailed rules to keep up on

- A lawyer who has DUI as their specialty knows case law better and can identify opportunities in your case compared to a lawyer who does not have DUI as their specialty. 



Crowns knows which lawyers are "on their game," which can lead to better outcomes.



- The Crown is the lawyer who will be prosecuting your DUI case

- Now, your lawyer will have to have a negotiation with the Crown about your case

- And the Crowns know how difficult and complex DUI laws are, and their job is to convict you, NOT help you

- When the Crowns are dealing with an experienced DUI lawyer, they know what they are up against and are far more likely to negotiate a better deal because they know that they have no leverage when it comes to specifics of the DUI law.

- And that often will lead to a better outcome, and that outcome can be life-changing



So, to recap



- Yes, it would be best to get a lawyer to deal with your DUI case because of the serious consequences.

- And, it would be best if you got a lawyer specializing in DUIs because that DUI lawyer may get you an outcome that can make the difference between winning and losing your DUI case.



https://youtu.be/zC3bBWu2NI0 https://www.nextlaw.ca/2021/03/30/do-i-need-a-dui-lawyer/