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Top-Rated DUI Lawyers and DWI Defense Attorneys

Last Updated: 21/05/2026

A DUI charge moves fast. License suspension hearings often run on a 10 to 30-day clock, depending on the state. Miss that window, and you may lose driving privileges before you ever see a courtroom. The DUI lawyers listed here handle license hearings, breath test challenges, and felony cases nationwide.

Our team evaluates DUI Lawyers on credentials, track record, and client reviews to help you find a good fit.

  • Bar standing and public disciplinary history review
  • Documented case results and courtroom trial experience
  • Peer recognition within the legal community
  • Client reviews, communication, and responsiveness
  • Aggregate satisfaction signals from independent sources

Rankings are determined independently based on public information and editorial research.

Find Top DUI Attorneys Near Me

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Best DUI Law Firms Near Me - Browse By Major Top US Cities:

Best-Rated DUI Defense Firms with Trial and Hearing Experience

Screenshot of the The Davis Law Group, P.C. Website

The Davis Law Group is a Chicago DUI law firm handling misdemeanor and felony charges, traffic tickets, and complex driver's license reinstatement hearings before the Illinois Secretary of State. Founder Larry A. Davis is a co-drafter of the Illinois DUI law and co-author of "Defense of DUI," the leading CLE publication in the state.

The Northfield-based team also represents clients facing criminal charges, expungements, workers' compensation claims, and professional license defense matters. Davis has argued numerous appeals before the Illinois Appellate Court and Illinois Supreme Court.

Spanish-language service is available, along with 24/7 access for free consultations. The firm is BBB accredited and holds a 10.0 Avvo rating.

Screenshot of the Rossen Law Firm Website
6400 N Andrews Ave #510, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, USA

Rossen Law Firm defends people facing DUI, sex crimes, domestic violence, drug charges, and federal cases across South Florida. The Fort Lauderdale criminal defense team is led by attorney Adam Rossen, a former prosecutor who built the firm around personalized strategy rather than volume work.

Clients have left over 1,000 five-star Google reviews, and the firm has earned recognition from Florida Trend's Legal Elite, the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, and the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys. Offices serve Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties, including Boca Raton, Coral Gables, and Wellington.

Attorneys answer calls 24/7 and offer free strategy sessions for new clients.

Screenshot of the DM Cantor Website
40 N Central Ave, Suite 2300, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA

DM Cantor is a Phoenix criminal defense firm with 8 Board-Certified Legal Specialists on staff, including 3 Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialists. The team handles DUI and vehicular crimes, sex offenses, fraud, violent crimes, drug charges, and white-collar cases throughout Arizona.

Founder David Cantor and his associates have secured more than 6,000 case victories over the years. The firm was named Small and Mid-Sized Law Firm of the Year at the 2026 AZ Business Excellence in Law Awards and holds an Avvo 10.0 rating along with AV Top-Rated status.

Phone lines are open 24/7, and initial consultations are free. The firm also runs separate practices for family law and estate planning out of the same downtown Phoenix office.

Screenshot of the Drennan Law Firm Website
900 Bowman Rd #304, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA

Drennan Law Firm has defended drunk driving and criminal charges across South Carolina since 1991. Founded by John Drennan, the Mt. Pleasant practice is now run by attorneys Adam Russo and Jim Courtney, who carry forward decades of trial experience in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties.

The firm has handled more than 5,000 cases, including high-profile defendants like police chiefs, airline pilots, military officers, and physicians. Practice areas cover DUI, traffic offenses, criminal defense, and personal injury.

Free no-obligation case reviews are available.

Screenshot of the RTS LAW GROUP Website
715 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA

RTS Law Group represents Charlotte clients facing DWI charges, criminal cases, traffic citations, revoked license hearings, and DMV matters across North Carolina. The team is led by attorney Ryan T. Smith and includes David A. Concha alongside support attorneys.

The firm covers speeding tickets, reckless driving, CDL violations, and license point issues. Free consultations and 24/7 client access are standard.

Screenshot of the Law Offices of Michael A. Scafiddi, Inc.  Website
432 N Arrowhead Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92401, USA

Michael Scafiddi is a San Bernardino criminal defense attorney and former police sergeant who personally investigated over 2,000 DUI arrests during his 13 years in law enforcement. He has been a certified Drug Recognition Expert since 1987 and a court-designated gang expert with over 150 testimonies on the stand.

The firm handles drunk driving cases, vehicular manslaughter, drug crimes, sex offenses, and serious felonies across San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Scafiddi has handled over 1,000 DMV/APS hearings and recovered more than $57 million in personal injury settlements alongside his criminal practice.

He holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and has served as president of both the San Bernardino County Bar Association and the Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino.

Screenshot of the Witt Law Group PS Website
400 Warren Ave UNIT 415, Bremerton, WA 98337, USA

Witt Law Group serves Kitsap and Thurston counties from offices in Bremerton, Port Orchard, and Poulsbo. The husband-and-wife partnership of Ryan and Jennifer Witt handles DUI defense, criminal cases, and personal injury claims across western Washington.

DUI work covers standard impaired driving, marijuana DUI, minor DUI, physical control charges, and boating under the influence. The criminal side ranges from assault and theft to reckless driving, hit-and-run, and habitual traffic offender cases.

The firm answers calls seven days a week.

Screenshot of the Stark DUI Lawyers Website
450 E 96th St #500, Indianapolis, IN 46240, USA

Gregg J. Stark is a former DUI prosecutor with over 30 years defending OWI cases throughout Indiana. He works statewide from his Indianapolis office and offers free legal guidance at any hour.

Cases include first-offense OWI, DUI involving accidents or drugs, breath test refusals, habitual traffic violations, and underage drinking charges.

Screenshot of the Stephen P. Pfeiffer Website
200 Bendix Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, USA

Stephen P. Pfeiffer is a Virginia Beach DUI attorney known locally as the go-to lawyer for drunk driving and vehicular manslaughter defense. He has personally handled more than 3,500 DUI cases over his 15-year career.

Pfeiffer holds NHTSA certification as an Instructor in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and Advanced Roadside Impairment Enforcement, with additional training in breath and blood testing. He is a partner at Wolcott Rivers Gates and a member of the National College for DUI Defense.

His credentials include an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a Virginia Super Lawyers Rising Stars listing. Pfeiffer co-authored a chapter on DUI search and seizure in the Aspatore Books "Inside the Minds" series.

Screenshot of the Johnen & Holevoet Law Offices Website
44 E Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

Johnen & Holevoet Law Offices defends OWI, DUI, and traffic ticket cases across Wisconsin from its Madison office. The team also takes drug offenses, violent crimes, sex crime defense, and Wisconsin pardon and commutation applications.

Lead attorney Sasa Johnen carries a 5.0 client rating and is a member of the National College for DUI Defense. Free case evaluations are available.

Screenshot of the Law Offices of David Chesley Website
4533 Van Nuys Blvd Suite 202, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403, USA

The Law Offices of David Chesley is one of California's largest criminal defense firms, with 25+ attorneys and offices across nearly every county in the state. The team includes former judges, prosecutors, and police officers with a combined 50+ years of courtroom experience.

Chesley and his associates have represented over 55,000 clients in DUI, violent offenses, drug charges, theft, sex crimes, and murder cases. The firm reports that 95% of its DUI clients receive no jail time, and it has won Avvo Client's Choice Awards for 10 consecutive years.

Free consultations are available 24/7, a Spanish-language service is offered, and affordable payment plans help make representation accessible.

Screenshot of the The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson Website
3455 Peachtree Rd NE #500, Atlanta, GA 30326, USA

Richard S. Lawson is an Atlanta DUI attorney and former Assistant District Attorney who has resolved more than 5,000 drunk driving cases in over 30 years of practice. His firm is dedicated exclusively to DUI defense across Metro Atlanta and North Georgia.

Lawson is a NHTSA-certified Field Sobriety Test instructor and an Emory Law graduate. The team handles ALS license suspension hearings, felony DUIs, drug-related DUIs, vehicular homicide, and habitual violator cases.

Screenshot of the The Law Office of Penny Wymyczak-White Website
2929 Allen Pkwy SUITE 200A, Houston, TX 77019, USA

Penny Wymyczak-White has practiced criminal defense in Houston, Harris County, since 1986. Her solo practice handles DWI, drug charges, sexual assault, white-collar crimes, and probation violations at both trial and appellate levels. She answers calls 24/7 and works each case personally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a DUI lawyer cost?

It depends on the charge. A first-offense misdemeanor DUI usually runs as a flat fee in the low to mid four figures. Felony DUI cases or those involving accidents, injuries, or refusals cost more. Many attorneys quote separate fees for the criminal case and the license hearing.

Do I really need a lawyer for a first DUI?

Yes, in most cases. Even a first offense can mean jail time, mandatory ignition interlock, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. A DUI conviction also raises insurance rates for years. An experienced DUI attorney can challenge the stop, the field sobriety test, or the breath test results.

How long does a DUI case take?

Three to nine months is common. Simple first-offense cases may resolve faster. Felony DUI, refusal cases, and cases that go to trial can take a year or longer. The license hearing happens on a separate, much faster timeline.

Can a DUI be reduced or dismissed?

Sometimes, yes. Common reductions include wet reckless or reckless driving. Dismissals can follow an unlawful stop, a botched breath test, or a broken blood test chain of custody. A former DUI prosecutor often spots these weaknesses faster than a general defense lawyer.

What happens to my license after a DUI arrest?

You face two separate actions. The criminal court handles the DUI charge. The state DMV or Secretary of State handles the license suspension as a civil matter. You usually have 10 to 30 days from the arrest to request a hearing on the suspension.

What is the difference between DUI, DWI, and OWI?

Same offense, different state labels. Indiana and Wisconsin use OWI (operating while intoxicated). Texas and some other states use DWI (driving while intoxicated). Most states use DUI. The penalties and defenses are similar across the board.

Will a DUI stay on my record forever?

Usually yes, but rules vary. Some states allow expungement after a waiting period, but only for first offenses without aggravating factors. Other states keep a DUI on your record for life. A local attorney can tell you what your state allows.

Types of DUI Cases

First-Offense DUI. A misdemeanor in most states with no prior record. Penalties may include fines, probation, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education. A clean prior record is often the strongest factor in negotiating a reduction.

Second and Third DUI. Repeat offenses carry steeper penalties. Many states require ignition interlock devices, longer suspensions, and mandatory jail time. Third offenses can become felonies in states like Indiana, Georgia, and Florida.

Felony DUI. Triggered by injury, death, a high BAC, a minor in the vehicle, or multiple priors. These cases carry prison exposure and require attorneys with serious trial experience.

DUI with Accident or Injury. Often involves vehicular assault or vehicular manslaughter charges. Accident reconstruction and medical records play a heavy role in the defense.

Drug DUI and DUID. Marijuana, prescription medication, and illegal drugs can all support a DUI charge. These cases often hinge on blood test results and Drug Recognition Expert testimony.

Breath Test Refusal Cases. Refusing a breath or blood test triggers automatic license suspension in most states under implied consent laws. The criminal case still moves forward without the test result.

Underage DUI. Most states use a zero-tolerance BAC standard for drivers under 21. Penalties can include longer license suspensions and college enrollment consequences.

CDL DUI. Commercial drivers face a 0.04 BAC threshold and risk losing their commercial license on a first offense. A separate disqualification hearing usually applies.

How to Choose a DUI Lawyer

Hire a DUI-focused attorney. General criminal lawyers handle DUI work, but a focused practice spots weaknesses faster. Look for NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Test certification on the attorney's bio.

Check for former prosecutor experience. Many of the strongest DUI defenders started as DUI prosecutors. They know how the state builds the case and where the weak points are.

Ask about local court experience. DUI cases are won and lost on local procedure. An attorney who appears regularly in your county courthouse knows the judges and the prosecutors by name.

Confirm license hearing experience. Some criminal lawyers do not handle DMV or Secretary of State hearings. The license fight is on a faster clock than the criminal case, and it is just as important.

Get the fee in writing. Ask whether the quote covers trial, license hearing, expert witnesses, and appeals. A flat fee that does not cover trial work can become a surprise bill later.