Your attorney may be a friend of the family going back decades—or someone you just met a little while back but respect and trust.  Just as you would not ask your family doctor to perform a specialty surgery, though, you should not ask your family lawyer to provide specialty legal services.

Family attorneys often fall into the category of the generalist.  These days, with the sheer number and complexity of laws and regulations that affect our lives, the vast majority of attorneys specialize in one or two, sometimes three, areas of the law.  In contrast, generalists maintain a broad base of knowledge about many different areas of the law, trading depth of expertise for breadth of knowledge.

If you face charges of driving under the influence (DUI) in Illinois, you have a lot on the line. You risk losing your license, paying a heavy criminal fine, or incurring jail time. The prosecuting attorney probably handled hundreds—if not thousands—of DUI cases just like yours, usually seeking the severest penalty.  Why would you trust your fate to anyone, however well meaning, who did not dedicate his or her career to avoiding and mitigating heavy penalties for DUIs?

Qualities of a good DUI defense lawyer

If you were arrested for a DUI in Carbondale, Marion, Benton, or Harrisburg, you want an Illinois DUI lawyer who offers the following:

• Years of experience defending those charged with DUI
• Works exclusively on DUI cases or criminal law matters
• Has the time to hear your side of the story and the dedication to provide personalized service
• Takes the time to be thorough in understanding the circumstances of your case
• Offers a free initial consultation as well as multiple payment options