Finding a DUI lawyer through word-of-mouth basically means getting a recommendation by someone you know, like a friend, family member, co-worker, neighbor or even someone you meet at a party. Word-of-mouth referrals immediately start off as an advantageous way of finding a good DUI lawyer because right off the bat, someone is vouching for or recommending the attorney, hopefully based on personal knowledge of the DUI lawyer's reputation, experience and success. This is different than advertisements in the yellow pages, or on television or radio, or even the DUI lawyer's web site, because in these cases, the attorney is actually vouching for himself -- something we expect any attorney looking to run a successful law practice to do. It's always a bonus to have someone you know vouch for the attorney.

Finding your Michigan DUI attorney through word-of-mouth referral is by far our most recommended approach to retaining a good drunk driving lawyer if based on reputation and/or prior success. It doesn't help you if your neighbor recommends a DUI lawyer who he has no prior knowledge of in terms of experience, expertise, and success in defending accused drunk drivers. That's why it's good to get a recommendation from someone who previously retained a DUI lawyer that either secured a not guilty verdict or at least minimized the punishment if a plea agreement was reached, and thus had some experience with the lawyer to be able to share with you.

There is a drawback, however, to asking for a DUI lawyer recommendation from someone you know. It can be embarrassing. Many people would not want others to know that either they were or someone in their family was arrested for operating while intoxicated. It's definitely something you probably would not want people at work to know. So who can you then turn to?

One option, if possible, is to talk to an attorney that you either know or previously retained in the past for some other type of legal service. Generally, lawyers will know other lawyers who practice in areas different that them and will refer clients to each other. This is a good option with two caveats. First, even if a lawyer recommends that you contact a DUI lawyer that he or she knows, you cannot be sure if you're being recommended this DUI lawyer based on reputation, expertise and experience, or whether you're being recommended this DUI lawyer because he or she is a friend or "referral partner" of the attorney giving the recommendation. And second, you will still want to ask the recommended DUI lawyer the same questions you would ask any other potential DUI lawyer to make sure you're retaining the best.

That being said, the by far best approach is to get a word-of-mouth recommendation by an experienced legal expert who understands DUI cases, has already done research on Michigan DUI attorneys and who is not affiliated with the recommended DUI lawyer. Most of the time, after an arrest is made for operating while intoxicated, you will not have much time to shop lawyer prices and do your research because you will want the legal advice of an expert DUI lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal interests.

If you cannot find a good DUI lawyer to represent you, we will be happy to recommend one of the best Michigan DUI attorneys in the nation. Click on the link below to get started with a free case review. There are no costs and no obligations.