What Is a Drunk Driving Attorney?

These attorneys focus on cases involving alcohol- or drug-impaired driving and understand the complex laws, procedures, and penalties associated with such offenses. Because drunk driving charges can lead to serious legal, financial, and personal consequences, having an experienced drunk driving attorney can be critical to protecting a defendant’s rights and future.

Drunk driving laws vary by state, but they generally drunk driving attorneys prohibit operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the legal limit or while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both. A drunk driving attorney is trained to navigate these laws and evaluate whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during a traffic stop, arrest, and testing process. Even small errors made by police can significantly affect the outcome of a case.

Role and Responsibilities of a Drunk Driving Attorney

One of the primary roles of a drunk driving attorney is to analyze the evidence against their client. This includes reviewing police reports, dashcam or bodycam footage, breathalyzer results, blood tests, and field sobriety test procedures. Attorneys look for inconsistencies, equipment malfunctions, improper calibration of testing devices, or violations of constitutional rights, such as unlawful traffic stops.

A drunk driving attorney also advises clients on their legal options and potential penalties. DUI convictions can result in fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, probation, increased insurance rates, or even jail time.