Every Friday we will take a look at some of the most commonly asked DUI questions so that we can clear up any misconceptions and provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information.  Today:

I don’t know anything about law.  How can I make sure I choose the best DUI lawyer?

This is really a great question because it touches on a subject that effects all of us in our daily lives.  How can an average citizen rate an expert in a field without prior experience with that person?

We run into this situation all the time.  For example, an average driver who doesn’t know about the intricate workings of an automobile engine may have a hard time finding out whether the local mechanic is a good one.  So what would you do?  You would probably try to find some information from an unbiased, experienced third party or maybe ask other mechanics in the area about the mechanic in question.  You might ask former clients about their experiences as well.

Searching for a lawyer is very similar.  You will want to find out about the lawyer’s background, expertise and what other lawyers think of him or her.  For starters, there is a great website called Avvo that helps clients find information about lawyers and shows peer endorsements as well as client’s reviews as well.  Many clients are using it and I think it is a useful place to start.

Additionally, a couple months ago I proposed a list of questions you should ask before choosing a DUI Lawyer.  They are:

1. What specialized DUI training have you attended over the past year?

2. Do you actually take DUI cases to trial?

3. Do you own and know how to operate the breath test machines used by the police?

4. Are you recognized as a DUI expert by your peers?

5. Do you regularly speak at legal seminars about advanced DUI issues?

I truly believe that if you ask questions like these, you will be speaking from a position of knowledge and power and you will gain meaningful information that will help you choose the best DUI attorney for the particular facts and the particular science in your unique case.

If you would like to ask a question, please submit it via the contact us link.

-Justin J. McShane, Esquire, Pennsylvania DUI Attorney

I am the highest rated DUI Attorney in PA as Rated by Avvo.com

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Board Certified Criminal Trial Advocate
By the National Board of Trial Advocacy
A Pennsylvania Supreme Court Approved Agency

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.