If you wish to legally defend people accused of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, you can expect to spend several years in school. You will typically need a bachelor's degree in any field, though criminal justice or a related major is often suggested. The next step is to attend law school and earn a law degree; you likely will have to participate in an internship at a law firm before graduating. The final step if you want to become a DUI lawyer is taking the bar exam. As long as you stay current on the latest laws about driving under the influence, you can properly serve your clients as a DUI lawyer.
Enrolling in a four-year college can help you become a DUI lawyer. No specific major is required, but the most helpful one tends to be criminal justice. If your college does not have this degree, you can choose a different subject that interests you. Meanwhile, it is advised that you take a few courses in classes that will help you once you become a DUI lawyer, such as classes that teach you the basics of debating, logic and writing, because you will likely use these skills both during law school and in your practice.
Before you graduate from college, you are advised to prepare for the admissions test that allows you to enter law school. If you do well on the exam and also have a good grade point average (GPA), you likely will have a good chance of getting into a well-respected law school. Once enrolled in law school, you can select courses that will prepare you for a career dealing with criminal law and DUIs. You can expect to attend school for about three years and, during your final semester, you likely will be encouraged to get an internship at a law firm — in your case, one that practices DUI defense. Getting work experience during school, whether paid or unpaid, can improve the odds that you will become a DUI lawyer once you graduate, which is why some schools even require this step.
Once you graduate from law school, you will typically have to pass the bar exam before you can legally practice, though some areas refer to their licensing test by other names. Law school should give you the knowledge you need to pass this exam, but many graduates spend extra time studying for the test on their own after graduation. This is because you can only become a DUI lawyer — or any type of lawyer — by passing the test.
