LEGAL INFORMATION NOTICE: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. DUI/DWI laws, administrative procedures, testing rules, license consequences, deadlines, penalties, and defense options vary substantially by jurisdiction. Consult qualified local counsel promptly.

1. DUI/DWI laws vary substantially by jurisdiction.
2. Criminal and administrative consequences may involve different processes.
3. A lawyer should explain which proceedings your representation covers.
4. License consequences can have separate procedures and deadlines.
5. Chemical testing can become an important evidentiary issue.
6. Field sobriety evidence may be disputed or interpreted differently.
7. Police reports are not necessarily the entire evidentiary record.
8. Video evidence may exist.
9. Dashcam/body-camera evidence may exist.
10. Witness evidence can matter.
11. Vehicle evidence can matter.
12. Prior DUI history may affect the case.
13. Refusal or testing issues can have jurisdiction-specific consequences.
14. A plea agreement can have consequences beyond the immediate fine.
15. Insurance consequences may matter.
16. Employment consequences may matter.
17. Professional licensing consequences may matter.
18. Immigration consequences can be relevant for some noncitizens.
19. Ignoring an administrative deadline can create additional problems.
20. A lawyer should explain the evidence against you.
21. A lawyer should explain realistic defense options.
22. “Guaranteed dismissal” claims should trigger skepticism.
23. Fee structures can differ substantially.
24. Trial representation may cost more than an initial quoted fee.
25. The key question is: “What happens to my criminal case, my driving privileges, and my broader life if I choose this strategy?”

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C. PREMIUM BUYER CHECKLIST

CASE

☐ Exact charge
☐ Jurisdiction
☐ Arrest/stop date
☐ Court date
☐ Administrative/license deadline
☐ Prior DUI history
☐ Police documents

EVIDENCE

☐ Police report
☐ Dashcam
☐ Body-camera footage
☐ Witness information
☐ Test results
☐ Testing documentation
☐ Field sobriety evidence
☐ Other physical/digital evidence

LAWYER

☐ Local DUI experience
☐ Similar-case experience
☐ Administrative/license experience
☐ Trial experience
☐ Fee structure
☐ Scope of representation

CONSEQUENCES

☐ Criminal penalties
☐ License consequences
☐ Insurance
☐ Employment
☐ Professional licensing
☐ Immigration implications where applicable

RED FLAGS

☐ Guaranteed dismissal
☐ Guaranteed acquittal
☐ “Every DUI gets reduced”
☐ No discussion of license consequences
☐ No written fee agreement
☐ No explanation of evidence

FINAL QUESTION

Am I hiring this lawyer to handle the entire problem—or only the part I understand today?