Driving drunk is a serious matter that threatens the lives of the driver and everyone else on the road. While we don’t condone drunk driving, we understand that it happens. If you are caught driving drunk, you will have to stand trial in court. Protecting your rights and defending yourself against DUI charges is best done by hiring an attorney. Not just any lawyer will do, for the best defense against a DUI, it’s important to choose the right attorney.

There’s considerable debate on the subject of selecting the right attorney. It’s argued that the best defense attorneys are those who formerly worked as prosecutors or district attorneys. Before explaining why they make better defense lawyers, it’s a good idea to know what prosecutors and district attorneys do.

The term prosecutor is an all-encompassing one that describes any lawyer representing the state against a criminal defendant. District attorneys are also prosecutors, the difference being that a district attorney is a specific individual who was elected to their position. Within their jurisdiction, district attorneys have the responsibility and authority to prosecute people who are accused of criminal behavior.

District attorneys and prosecutors quickly gain valuable courtroom experience through heavy caseloads. Thorough training is required for these positions in order to handle the many complex and demanding criminal cases. Lawyers without backgrounds as prosecutors handle far fewer cases and thereby gain experience at a slower rate.

It’s argued that experience as a district attorney doesn’t benefit someone as a private practice lawyer. However, there’s simply no substitution for experience, of which prosecutors have plenty. Not to mention, to fully understand any subject it must be viewed from all sides. Former prosecutors and district attorneys have an understanding of the courtroom from both sides. Traditional defense lawyers only have experience from working one side of the courtroom.

Working as a district attorney or prosecutor prior to being a defense lawyer gives those individuals ample time to develop their skills and abilities. Defense lawyers who begin right out of school are learning on the job. The experience and training of prosecutors and district attorneys gives them a significant advantage as defense lawyers. If you find yourself facing a DUI charge, it's critical to hire an attorney. Hiring an attorney who has former experience as a prosecutor gives you the best chance of winning your case.