There are many types of lawyers out there, making it difficult to tell them all apart. They all come with slightly different areas of expertise. Many know they want to be a lawyer but maybe don't realize how many options they have to choose from. One of those types of lawyers is a DUI defense lawyer.
What Does a DUI Lawyer Do?
A DUI lawyer's responsibility is to represent and defend those who have been accused of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Becoming a DUI lawyer would mean it's your responsibility to get your client out of the charges or to lessen the charges to the best of your ability.
To do this, you are in charge of the following:
- Gathering the evidence that could help your case
- Completing all documentation on time
- Providing legal advice for your client
- Negotiate on your client's behalf
- Find out if the arrest protocol was followed correctly
- Find any witnesses that can help your client
- Assist with jury selection
All these tasks can be vital to your client's case. It is always the attorney's goal to get the client the least amount of consequences possible.
Education and Training Requirements
The first step in the education process is to receive a high school diploma. Once high school is complete, you should move on to college and receive a bachelor's degree. After receiving your bachelor's degree, it's time to apply to and attend law school. Upon completing law school, you should receive a law degree, or Juris Doctorate.
While in law school, it is suggested to find a law firm looking for clerks or interns to hire. Getting experience while still in school is a great way to stand out to the law firms you hope to work for once you graduate.
Once you've finished all your schoolings, you will need to take and pass the bar exam for your state. If you do not pass this exam, you cannot legally practice law. Once you do pass, you are free to find a home for your skills. It is crucial to stay up to date on all laws surrounding DUIs, which is why continuing your education, even after you've passed the bar, is almost always required. This makes it easier to keep your licenses valid and knowledge of the laws up to date.
What Makes a Good DUI Lawyer?
To be a good DUI lawyer, it is crucial that you are driven to help people. You will also need very strong verbal and written communication skills. Your job will be full of arguing with other lawyers and judges and negotiating on your client's behalf. If you can't sway someone's decision, this may not be the correct career path. It's also important to have strong organizational skills. You may have more than one case at a time, it's important to keep everything neat and easily accessible. Lastly, you need to be trustworthy. If your clients don't feel they can trust you, you'll be out of work.
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