Do I need a lawyer for a DUI?
You're not legally required to hire a lawyer, but a DUI touches your license, your record, your insurance and sometimes your job. Here's when legal help matters most.
Updated October 2026 · Sources are linked in the text · General information, not legal advice.
Talk to a DUI lawyer especially if
- you hold a commercial driver's license;
- you're under 21;
- you refused a test;
- you have a prior DUI (second offense) or it may be a felony;
- there was a crash or someone was hurt;
- you're not a U.S. citizen, or you need your license for work.
What a DUI lawyer actually does
- Requests and handles the license hearing before the deadline.
- Reviews the stop, the field sobriety tests and the breath or blood testing.
- Negotiates with the prosecutor, and takes the case to trial if needed.
- Explains options in your court, such as diversion or a reduced charge, where available.
Charged with a DUI?Deadlines start at arrest. Get a free case review from a local DUI attorney.
Quick answers
Can I handle a DUI myself?
You can, but the license hearing and court process have strict rules and deadlines. A free consultation costs nothing and tells you what you're facing.