Facing a DUI charge is stressful, but your first meeting with a lawyer doesn’t have to be. In fact, it’s the first step toward building a solid defense. Whether you’re considering hiring a DUI attorney or already have one, proper preparation ensures your consultation is productive, efficient, and focused.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to prepare before sitting down with your DUI lawyer for the first time—so you can get the best legal support from day one.
1. Understand the Purpose of the Meeting
The first meeting with your DUI lawyer is a consultation designed to:
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Review the details of your arrest
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Assess the strength of the case
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Determine potential legal strategies
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Clarify legal fees and next steps
It’s also your chance to ask questions and decide if the attorney is a good fit for your case.
2. Gather All Relevant Documents
Bringing key paperwork to your meeting will help your lawyer understand the case better and faster.
Essential documents to bring:
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Police report or arrest documents
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Citation or ticket issued at the time of arrest
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Court summons or notice with your upcoming dates
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DMV paperwork, especially if your license is at risk
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Bail bond paperwork (if applicable)
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Proof of insurance and registration
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Any videos, photos, or witness statements
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Notes you wrote about the incident
Tip: Bring printed or digital copies and organize them chronologically for clarity.
3. Make a Timeline of Events
Create a personal timeline that walks through what happened before, during, and after your arrest. Include:
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Where you were prior to driving
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What you ate and drank (and when)
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How much you drank
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Who you were with
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Where and when you were pulled over
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What the officer said or did
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Whether you took field sobriety or chemical tests
This helps your attorney spot inconsistencies or legal violations that may help your defense.
4. Write Down Any Questions You Have
A DUI consultation can go by quickly, and you don’t want to forget important concerns. Prepare a list of questions like:
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What are the possible outcomes in my case?
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Have you handled similar DUI cases before?
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How will you challenge the evidence?
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Will you also handle the DMV hearing?
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What are your fees and payment options?
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What happens next?
Tip: Don’t be afraid to take notes during the meeting. You’ll want to remember what was discussed.
5. Be Honest About Your Situation
You might be tempted to leave out details that seem embarrassing or incriminating—but your lawyer needs the full picture to defend you properly.
Be honest about:
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Your alcohol/drug use
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Previous convictions or arrests
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Any statements you made to police
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Prior DUI charges
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Medical conditions or medications
Remember: Attorney-client privilege protects everything you say. Transparency helps your attorney build a stronger, more accurate defense.
6. Know Your Financial Situation
Most DUI lawyers charge either a flat fee or hourly. Be prepared to discuss:
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Your budget
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Whether you can pay upfront or need a payment plan
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Additional costs (DMV hearings, expert witnesses, etc.)
Also, ask what’s included in the fee:
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Is trial included?
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Are DMV hearings extra?
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Will there be separate charges for motions or court appearances?
7. Dress and Act Professionally
While your attire doesn’t determine the outcome of your case, showing respect and professionalism builds trust. Treat the consultation like a business meeting.
Professional behaviors:
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Arrive on time
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Be polite and focused
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Avoid slang or jokes about the incident
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Don’t appear intoxicated or distracted
This is your chance to show the lawyer that you’re serious about resolving your case responsibly.
8. Bring a Support Person (Optional)
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider bringing a close family member or friend for support. They can help you:
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Stay calm and focused
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Take notes
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Remember key details from the meeting
Just make sure you’re comfortable discussing personal details in their presence. Your conversation with your lawyer is only protected under attorney-client privilege if it’s just the two of you.
9. Know What You Want from the Lawyer
Be clear about your goals:
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Are you hoping to get charges reduced?
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Do you want to avoid jail or license suspension?
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Are you willing to take a plea or fight in court?
Knowing your priorities helps the attorney tailor their strategy to your needs.
Conclusion
Your first meeting with a DUI lawyer is more than a formality—it’s a crucial step in building a strong defense. By gathering the right documents, asking smart questions, and being open and honest, you’ll give your attorney the tools they need to fight for your best outcome.
Remember, preparation shows you’re serious, organized, and ready to take control of your situation.
