A good way to ensure that a DWI attorney has the necessary DWI experience, litigation skills, knowledge, and advanced education and training in DWI legal and technical issues is to hire a lawyer Board Certified in DWI defense. Board Certification in DWI defense involves a rigorous qualification and testing process conducted by the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD). NCDD is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening DUI and DWI attorneys nationwide and runs the only program accredited by the American Bar Association to provide certification also recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
To become board certified, attorneys must have substantial involvement in DWI defense, have recommendations from both judges and attorneys they've worked with, and meet the NCDD advanced DWI education requirements. To demonstrate their DWI litigation experience, attorney applicants must serve as DWI lead counsel in at least 15 trials to verdict and have been lead counsel in at least 40 contested matters other than trials.
Attorneys must also complete 36 hours of classes related to DWI defense law and pass written and oral exams. The written exam covers all DWI defense areas, including evidentiary issues and the science behind chemical tests. The exam covers the “issues and the complexity of DWI defense, including a demonstration of knowledge in substantive, procedural and scientific areas, as well as evidentiary issues, which impact and affect the defense of a person accused of DWI.” The oral exam takes the form of an appellate argument or a mock trial.
RECOMMENDATION: When you're facing a DWI charge, you need an experienced DWI attorney with advanced training and education in DWI litigation and DWI legal and technical issues. You also need to ensure that you hire a lawyer with extensive litigation experience. Look for a DWI attorney Board Certified in DWI Defense, with extensive DWI litigation experience, knowledge of local courts, and advanced training and education in DWI technical and legal issues.
