The Importance of Consulting Local Alcohol Crime Attorneys

Alcohol crime attorneys differ by state. This is because, unlike other types of criminal charges, each state carries its own unique set of laws regarding drunk driving and other alcohol-related crimes.

Drunk driving itself is given different official titles depending on the jurisdiction. In Texas, for example, the specific criminal offense is called Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) while in California, it is referred to as Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Still, in other jurisdictions, the offense may be called Operating While Impaired (OWI) or Operating a Vehicle under the Influence (OVI). The penalties for drunk driving differ by state as well. For this reason, it is best to enlist the help of a local defense lawyer should one get accused of committing the offense outside of one’s home state.

Alcohol crime attorneys work best when they represent cases within the jurisdiction they are stationed in. A defense lawyer specializing in alcohol-related crime charges is likely to have an intimate knowledge of the specific laws that govern the state he practices in. He would know what penalties are given for which offense, and can therefore devise an effective plan to draw out the best possible outcome for the defendant.

If one already has a lawyer residing in one’s home state, it would be a good idea to tap into the defense attorney’s network or colleagues. If the defense attorney is affiliated with a large defense law firm with bases from coast to coast, it may be easier to find legal assistance where one has had the misfortune of being accused of drunk driving out of town.