Questions To Ask a DUI Lawyer | Callahan Law Insights

Here are ten key questions to ask a DUI lawyer, along with honest answers from our team at Callahan Law, P.S., Inc., one of Washington State’s leading DUI defense firms.

1. Are You a Leader in DUI Defense?

When your future depends on your defense, you need a lawyer who leads, not follows.
At Callahan Law, P.S., Inc., we are recognized nationwide for excellence in DUI defense.
Our President, Linda M. Callahan, is the author of the Washington DUI Practice Manual and is a frequent speaker at national legal conferences. She also trains other attorneys in DUI defense strategy, a distinction that reflects both expertise and dedication.
‍Why it matters: When your lawyer teaches DUI defense to other attorneys, you can trust you are in experienced hands.

Meet Our Team →

2. How Many DUI Trials Have You Handled, and What Percentage of Your Cases Are DUI-Related?

Experience matters, especially in DUI law where both science and procedure affect the outcome.
At Callahan Law, 98% of our caseload is DUI defense.
We have taken hundreds of DUI cases to trial and negotiated thousands more to successful resolutions. Because we are always prepared to go to trial, prosecutors know we are serious, which often results in better outcomes for our clients.
‍Our promise: Every client deserves a strong defense in and out of court.

3. Do You Have Advanced Training in Breath Testing Machines?

Yes. Every attorney at our firm is trained in the science of infrared spectroscopy, the method used in Washington’s breath testing devices.
We even own a breath test machine, the same model used by law enforcement. During trials, we use it to help jurors understand how the device works and how certain conditions or errors can produce false-positive results.

Learn More About Breath Testing →

4. Do You Have Advanced Training in Blood Analysis Methods?

Yes. Ms. Callahan completed advanced training in forensic blood analysis at Axion Labs in Chicago, where she studied gas chromatography, the scientific process used in blood alcohol testing.
She also studied phlebotomy to understand how collection errors or contamination can affect test results. Her expertise in this area led her to author a chapter on blood evidence in her DUI defense manual.
‍Why this matters: Understanding the science behind the test allows us to challenge inaccurate results and protect our clients’ rights.

Learn More About Blood Testing →

5. Are You Certified in Field Sobriety Testing?

Yes, and this is one of the ways we stand out.
Ms. Callahan is NHTSA-certified to administer field sobriety tests, and our team is highly trained in identifying when officers make mistakes during testing.
We know the proper procedures for each test and can recognize when those steps are not followed correctly, which can make the results unreliable.
Knowing when a test was performed incorrectly can make all the difference in a DUI case.
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Field Sobriety Testing Explained →

6. How Many Attorneys Will Be Working on My Case?

Every case at Callahan Law is handled as a team effort.
You will have a lead attorney assigned to your defense, but your case benefits from the collective insight of our entire team, including Linda M. Callahan and David Compton, who review and advise on every case.
‍With multiple attorneys collaborating, your defense becomes more strategic and thorough from start to finish.
‍A DUI stays on your criminal record permanently and on your driving record for 7–10 years. This affects insurance, employment, and CDL reinstatement.
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Meet Our Legal Team →

7. What Information Other Than the Police Report Do You Use to Defend Clients?

We leave no stone unturned in building a defense.
Beyond the police report, our team conducts a comprehensive investigation that may include:

Public records requests from multiple agencies
Medical records that help identify testing issues
MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) from workplaces when chemical exposure may be relevant
A detailed client questionnaire to capture your perspective

Every piece of evidence matters, and we know how to find it.

‍See How We Build DUI Evidence →

8. Do You Conduct Law Enforcement and Witness Interviews?

Yes. Our attorneys personally interview officers, witnesses, and phlebotomists to uncover details that are often missing from reports. These interviews frequently reveal errors, inconsistencies, or overlooked facts that can lead to reduced charges or case dismissals.
We don’t just review reports. We challenge them.
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9. How Do You Assist Clients with Licensing and Re-Licensing?

Protecting your driver’s license is one of our top priorities.
We help clients navigate the complex Department of Licensing (DOL) process, including:

Staying legally able to drive during suspension
Correcting common DOL errors after the case ends
Guiding reinstatement after suspension

Many clients tell us our help with licensing was the most valuable part of their representation.
We go beyond courtroom defense to make sure you can legally stay on the road.
‍Learn More About License Suspension →

10. When My Case Is Completed, What Do You Provide?

Once your case is over, we make sure you understand every next step.
You will receive an end-of-case letter summarizing all court requirements and explaining how to stay in compliance.Our goal is to help you remain licensed, avoid future issues, and never have to return to court.

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We measure success by the results we achieve for our clients.

90% of DUI charges reduced

284 cases dismissed

854 DUIs reduced to Negligent 1

758 reduced to Reckless Driving

407 DOL hearings won

Testimonial

Linda Callahan and her staff were compassionate, professional, and extremely knowledgeable. My DUI charge was reduced, and I felt supported every step of the way.

Khai

King County

From my first phone call with Chris, I felt calmer. He took the time to listen, explained the process clearly, and connected me with Linda. The outcome was better than I ever expected.

Jeremy

Tacoma

Toni and the intake team treated me with such kindness. They never judged me and made sure all my questions were answered. I can’t thank them enough.

Rebecca

Olympia

Callahan Law is the real deal. My case was dismissed after Linda challenged the breath test results. She’s smart, strategic, and incredibly thorough.

Michael

Thurston County

They worked with me on payments and never made me feel pressured. Communication was always fast and clear. I’d recommend them to anyone facing a DUI in Washington.

Allison

Pierce County

I was terrified after my arrest, but Linda and her team walked me through everything. I felt like I had real advocates who cared about my future.

Jared

Kitsap County

From my first call, I knew I was in good hands. They were understanding, knowledgeable, and fought hard for my case.

Former Client

Tacoma

Callahan Law turned an overwhelming situation into a manageable one. Their professionalism and compassion made all the difference.

Former Client

Olympia

Questions to Ask a DUI Lawyer Before
Hiring One

1. Are You a Leader in DUI Defense?

2. How Many DUI Trials Have You Handled, and What Percentage of Your Cases Are DUI-Related?

3. Do You Have Advanced Training in Breath Testing Machines?

4. Do You Have Advanced Training in Blood Analysis Methods?

5. Are You Certified in Field Sobriety Testing?

6. How Many Attorneys Will Be Working on My Case?

7. What Information Other Than the Police Report Do You Use to Defend Clients?

8. Do You Conduct Law Enforcement and Witness Interviews?

9. How Do You Assist Clients with Licensing and Re-Licensing?

10. When My Case Is Completed, What Do You Provide?

Get Help Now

Why It’s Crucial to Have Skilled Legal Representation

Request Help with Your DOL Hearing

Our Proven DUI Defense Results

View Full DUI Case Results

Testimonial

Khai

Jeremy

Rebecca

Michael

Allison

Jared

Former Client

Former Client

Let Us Be Your Legal Advocate

Our Offices:

Questions to Ask a DUI Lawyer Before Hiring One

1. Are You a Leader in DUI Defense?

2. How Many DUI Trials Have You Handled, and What Percentage of Your Cases Are DUI-Related?

3. Do You Have Advanced Training in Breath Testing Machines?

4. Do You Have Advanced Training in Blood Analysis Methods?

5. Are You Certified in Field Sobriety Testing?

6. How Many Attorneys Will Be Working on My Case?

7. What Information Other Than the Police Report Do You Use to Defend Clients?

8. Do You Conduct Law Enforcement and Witness Interviews?

9. How Do You Assist Clients with Licensing and Re-Licensing?

10. When My Case Is Completed, What Do You Provide?

Get Help Now

Why It’s Crucial to Have Skilled Legal Representation

Request Help with Your DOL Hearing

Our Proven DUI Defense Results

View Full DUI Case Results

Testimonial

Khai

Jeremy

Rebecca

Michael

Allison

Jared

Former Client

Former Client

Let Us Be Your Legal Advocate

Our Offices:

Questions to Ask a DUI Lawyer Before
Hiring One