{"id":286739,"date":"2016-10-17T13:20:19","date_gmt":"2016-10-17T18:20:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/dui\/laws-resources\/should-you-get-a-dui-attorney.html"},"modified":"2026-05-04T13:42:04","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T18:42:04","slug":"should-you-get-a-dui-attorney","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/dui\/laws-resources\/should-you-get-a-dui-attorney.html","title":{"rendered":"Should You Get a DUI Attorney?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Should You Get a DUI Attorney?<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Lark Lewis, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n

Hiring an attorney to help you navigate a driving under the influence<\/span> (DUI) charge can be highly beneficial, yet there are times when a lawyer may not be necessary. A\u00a0DUI\/DWI<\/span>\u00a0charge<\/span> is a serious criminal charge<\/span> in most states.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Whether to\u00a0get an attorney for a DUI\u00a0depends on many factors. You will especially benefit from having an attorney when navigating a more serious DUI charge<\/span>, as opposed to a first DUI<\/span>. Still, there are instances when hiring an attorney will make little difference in the final outcome of your case.<\/p>\n

The article discusses getting an attorney for a plea bargain<\/span> and to reduce your sentence. It also describes when you can probably safely proceed without an attorney after a DUI charge<\/span>.<\/p>\n

If you decide to hire a lawyer to challenge DUI charges<\/span>, choosing the right lawyer will be the next step. You can compare DUI lawyers<\/span><\/a> near you with FindLaw\u2019s attorney directory. Choose your state or city to see a list of local lawyers, their years of experience<\/span>, and their contact details.<\/p>\n

The Stakes of a DUI Conviction<\/span> Are High<\/h2>\n

DUI\/DWI<\/span> charges<\/span> are criminal charges<\/span>. As with any criminal law<\/span> case, you\u2019ll want to consider your defense strategy<\/span> carefully.<\/p>\n

Here are just a few of the consequences you may face in a DUI case<\/span>:<\/p>\n