Anyone who is charged with a DUI offense (driving under the influence) in Michigan, should seek the services of an experienced Michigan DUI lawyer. An offense of DUI is taken very seriously and the penalties can have far reaching consequences, not just for you but also for your friends and family.

As most states will set their own laws with regard to offenses such as DUI, it is important to hire a lawyer who has knowledge of the law in which the offense occurred. If convicted in Michigan for instance, then you should hire a Michigan DUI lawyer as they will have the best understanding of state law as it relates to your case. Not all lawyers will have experience of DUI cases, so it is advisable to seek the services of a lawyer who specializes only in DUI cases.

If this is not your first offense for DUI then you will need to be aware of the severity of the penalty you are facing. Penalties for repeat offenses, committed in any state, will increase in severity with every subsequent conviction. First time offenders can usually expect penalties ranging from a fine to several days in jail, depending on the evidence in the case.

Hiring a DUI lawyer will also help you to understand the charges against you, along with the legal procedures to come, how the evidence against you will be gathered and the penalties you could be given. A lawyer will also manage the case on your behalf, dealing with paperwork, meetings and communications with relevant parties and officials. Trying to deal with this yourself can be frustrating and stressful, particularly if you have limited knowledge of DUI cases.

Hiring a lawyer is not simply a case of hiring the first name in the directory. You need to find a lawyer who is not only experienced enough to handle your case, but also with whom you feel comfortable and confident. In many cases you will have a free first consultation with a lawyer before you choose to hire them. This is a great opportunity to find out more about them and to ask about your case. When choosing who to hire take into account not only their experience, but also how you felt in their presence and also if you will be able to maintain regular contact with them. Your client-lawyer relationship could suffer if you are not able to contact them when you need to.

You may receive recommendations from friends and family or via the court service. You can also ask for a referral from the local bar association or do your own research on one of the many legal directory websites to find a DUI lawyer in your area.