Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Defend a DWI the same as a DWI Lawyer?
While most think that a DWI is just another criminal charge, the truth is that DWI is a highly technical area of the law. A DWI case contains many technical issues such as the DWI blood draw or DWI breath test, to name a couple examples. Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Defend a DWI the same as a DWI Lawyer? While a regular Criminal Defense Lawyer might know how to navigate the court system, they do not have the same amount of knowledge or experience in navigating the science behind a DWI case. A Board Certified DWI Lawyer, such as Mimi, knows the ins-and-outs of a DWI case.
Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Defend a DWI the same as a DWI Lawyer?
DWI CLEs
To really understand the intricacies of a DWI case, an Experienced DWI Lawyer might take special CLE (continuing legal education) courses designed around the scientific issues present in a DWI case. DWI is a very science-heavy field in criminal defense. For example, most Criminal Defense Lawyers might not know about fermentation affecting the results of a blood test. They likewise may not know that a breath test machine requires proper calibration to report a legitimate result. Mimi is an Experienced DWI Lawyer that started her career organizing these CLEs and currently is asked to teach these DWI Defense CLEs. She wants to make sure she is up-t0-date on all potential issues that might arise in a DWI case. Having earned a degree in Science from Baylor, Mimi is also well-suited to understanding the scientific issues that arise in DWI cases.
Board Certified in DWI Defense
The process of becoming Board Certified in DWI Defense is far from easy. Importantly, the National College of DUI Defense (NCDD) has the only board certification in DWI Defense accredited by the ABA. Mimi is the only DWI Lawyer in North Texas with this board certification. Board certification requires many hours of DWI trial representation and many hours of case work. In fact, a lawyer must dedicate at least 5 consecutive years to DWI Defense before even applying for board certification.
Board Certification also requires the lawyer to have at least 3 lawyers and judge *each* to recommend board certification. These references must, additionally, *personally observe* the lawyer handle a DWI Defense case. In addition, the lawyer must have at least 8 other recommendations. Even more, board certification in DWI Defense requires at least 36 hours in DWI Defense CLE (see above). Furthermore, Mimi had to pass rigorous tests (both written and practical) before becoming board certified. These are just *some* of the requirements to become Board Certified in DWI Defense.
Experience in Handling DWI Defense Cases
A DWI Lawyer has insight into a DWI Case that other lawyers do not have. For example, a DWI Lawyer knows what kind of jury might be best for a specific case. Perhaps a jury that is sympathetic to a client’s personal situation might help. At other times, maybe a jury that thinks the traffic stop is wrong will be best. A DWI Lawyer knows that proper jury selection means the difference between a positive or negative verdict or sentence.
Similarly, a DWI Lawyer know which motions to file on a specific DWI case. For some cases, perhaps a motion to suppress the traffic stop for lack of reasonable suspicion or probable cause. On other cases, maybe a motion to suppress the blood draw for incorrectly performing the draw or for some other technical issue. A run-of-the-mill criminal defense lawyer might throw every possible motion at a case just to see what sticks. Meanwhile, a DWI lawyer knows how to pick out the issues and find the best motion to file to reach the best possible outcome. Relatedly, a DWI Lawyer can fight by knowing exactly how to argue the motions and what cases to use in support.
More about Mimi Coffey & The Coffey Firm
When people look for a Top DWI Attorney or Best DWI Attorney, they look for experience, certification, and respect in the legal community. Mimi Coffey is a nationally-renowned trial attorney, board-certified in DWI by the NCDD. She has been practicing for over 24 years and is an author of multiple DWI Defense textbooks. She is also a national and state-wide lecturer on the law.
The Coffey Firm handles a wide variety of cases, including Unlawful Carrying Weapon (UCW), Assault (including family violence), and Possession charges. We can also help you try to seal your record or avoid probation revocation. The Coffey Firm offers fair DWI payment plans.
Mimi is also listed on several “top criminal lawyer near me” directory listings such as DWI Lawyers for Wise County, DWI Lawyer Tarrant County, DWI attorney Dallas County, DWI attorneys Collin County and DWI attorneys Parker County. Mimi is a caring DWI Lawyer in DFW, She is also involved in the Texas Tech School of Law foundation and enjoys using the skills she has developed to give back to the community.