pasadena dui lawyer advice needed

[charliesozed]

What is the best way to screen and hire a Pasadena DUI attorney? I've had some people recommend going to court for a couple of days and watching lawyers in action, but that seems like it would be worse than trying to find a needle in a haystack. Plus, I really don't know what to look for in a drunk driving defense lawyer.

How many lawyers practice DUI defense in Pasadena? Should a person who needs one limit themselves to lawyers with offices in Pasadena, or do you think that it's appropriate to look all over LA County?

[Lawrence Taylor]

Although my DUI law firm has an office in Pasadena, it is far more important to find an experienced and reputable DUI specialist than to find one who is located in Pasadena. Put another way, if you want a good heart surgeon, you wouldn't look for just those in Pasadena. All of the top DUI defense attorneys in the greater Los Angeles area are familiar with the Pasadena courts and prosecutors.

1. You should look for a law firm that is experienced, reputable and specializes in DUI defense, including representation in DMV license suspension hearings -- preferably a DUI firm that limits its practice to DUI defense exclusively.

2. Check the internet for the ratings of attorneys. AVVO is an excellent resource, with ratings based on feedback from clients and other DUI attorney. The professional rankings of all attorneys by the Martindale-Hubbell International Directory is another reputable source; an "AV" rating ("very high to preeminent") is their highest and held by less than 7% of all lawyers in the U.S. (I'm pleased to have such a rating).

3. Ask those who deal with attorneys whom they would retain to defend them: police officers, court bailiffs and court clerks.

4. Avoid any attorney who quotes low fees or makes promises to you as to the eventual disposition of the case. No competent or ethical attorney would do that, as there are many unknown variables in every DUI case -- breathalyzer calibration and maintenance records, blood-alcohol reanalysis, existence of video/audio tapes, quality of the officer and his report, etc. Note: If you ask the attorney to put the promise in writing, he will not do it.