Finding the right lawyer to represent your DUI case is the most important decision you will make (we have already discussed how seriously the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania penalizes DUI) and will have the most influence on the outcome of that case. Keep in mind that you will have almost no chance of winning a DUI case without the right lawyer. This is why we have put together a short questionnaire that we suggest you ask every lawyer you are considering to represent your DUI case. Ask the questions and jot down the answers on a notepad. At the end compare your answers and make an objective decision. Here are the questions we have covered so far:
- What is a DUI Lawyer?
- Question #1: What specialized DUI training have you attended over the past year?
- Question #2: Do you actually take DUI cases to trial?
- Question #3: Do you own and know how to operate the breath test machines used by the Police?
This week we examine the fourth important question you should ask every lawyer you are considering for your DUI case, “Are you recognized as a DUI expert by your peers?”
Question #4: Are you recognized as a DUI expert by your peers?
This question will require some active research on your part. Thankfully, the internet has made researching an attorney’s history and qualifications very easy. If you haven’t heard of it, there is a great website for researching lawyers called Avvo.com.
Avvo makes it easy to find out about your lawyer from an objective source. For example go over to Avvo and type in “DUI” for Practice Area and “PA” for state and you will get a listing of DUI lawyers in Pennsylvania. There are many useful features like client reviews, example cases, legal guides, peer endorsements, and of course Avvo ratings. Bases on a lawyer’s Experience, Industry Recognition, and Professional Conduct, Avvo creates an objective rating for that lawyer.
To answer the stated question, I decided to show you some of the endorsements my peers, DUI experts from across the country have written about me:
From Linda Callahan, author of the authoritative Washington DUI Practice Manual and The DUI Book – Washington State Edition:
I strongly endorse Justin McShane. He is extremely knowledgeable in the science and law involving alcohol-related offenses. He attends many, if not all of the advanced legal seminars in DUI science, forensics and technology. He is aggressive in defense of his clients and he is a perfectionist–he strives for the best result possible in every case.
From the “DMV Guru” Rick Mueller who has over 25 years of experience representing DUI cases. Rick is also an Editorial Consultant for California Drunk Driving Law the most comprehensive reference for California DUI & DMV law:
Having practiced for 25 years and been on DUI listserves since the mid-90’s, I have never seen a more knowledgeable, resourceful, and thorough DUI defense attorney. The amazing thing about Mr. McShane is his lightning-quick speed in being able to competently assist other national DWI/DUI lawyers seeking assistance on any related issue. I had to get more storage for all the data this gentleman generates. For a plethora of immense reasons, I whole-heartedly endorse this remarkable lawyer’s continuing work and genuine efforts.
From William “Bubba” Head, who is often called the “Greatest DUI Attorney ever”. Bubba is a co-founder and former regent of the National College for DUI Defense, which educates other attorneys in the DUI field. He is also the author of The DUI Book, which is a standard reference tool by defense attorneys nationwide:
Justin brings a yearning to succeed to the table as a criminal defense attorney. He trains himself and his staff attorneys at the highest level to be ready to attack any flaw in the State’s case or any prevarication by a police officer who guesses that Justin will not have found the “smoking gun” in the case. This pride of preparation is not something that can be taught to a trial lawyer — it is self-generated. Justin has earned my endorsement through hard work and dogged determination to be the best attorney in Pennsylvania.
These are endorsements from the preeminent DUI lawyers in America. Do your research and make sure the lawyer you are selecting is endorsed by DUI experts like these.
Justin McShane
PA DUI attorney Justin J. McShane is the President/CEO of The McShane Firm, LLC - Pennsylvania's top criminal law and DUI law firm. He is the highest rated DUI attorney in PA as rated by Avvo.com. Justin McShane is a double Board certified attorney. He is the first and so far the only Pennsylvania attorney to achieve American Bar Association recognized board certification in DUI defense from the National College for DUI Defense, Inc. He is also a Board Certified Criminal Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Approved Agency.