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New DUI Warranty Service: Will It Protect Drivers?

New DUI Warranty Service: Will It Protect Drivers?

New DUI Warranty Service: Will It Protect Drivers?

A new DUI warranty service promises drivers a free attorney if they are arrested for a DUI, in exchange for a base fee. For attorneys who already defend drivers accused of driving under the influence, this promise raises many red flags.

The DUI Warranty provides an attorney to represent a driver who paid the up-front, $20 fee and is later arrested for driving under the influence. There are a number of catches to this seemingly beneficial service, which advertises itself as “Option 2” – Option 1 being “don’t drink and drive”. First, the service is available only in the Oklahoma City metro area, meaning Oklahoma County, Cleveland County, or Canadian County. Arrests that take place elsewhere are not covered.

The cheapest version of the warranty lasts for only 24 hours from the date of purchase. There is no easy way to purchase the warranty on the website, nor is there information about how expensive the warranty could get for more extensive coverage. The warranty only covers the services of a “qualified” attorney, not court fees and costs or any costs for an attorney falling outside their plan. Because the warranty company selects the attorney, you have no choice in the matter and no chance to evaluate whether the attorney is “qualified” in your mind.

The warranty company’s website clarifies that the attorney will only represent you in a DUI case, not for any accompanying charges such as possession of controlled dangerous substances – like if the arresting officer finds drugs in your car after your arrest. The attorney will not visit you in jail but will only attend the arraignment. Further, the warranty provides no guarantee that the attorney will represent you at an administrative proceeding or any court proceeding after the arraignment.

At least one attorney has raised concerns that the service may be unethical because drivers are asked to pay a flat fee for legal services that they may never use or obtain. The details of the warranty raise further concerns: how does the service pick the attorneys they use? What does the company do with your money if you pay $20 and do not need an attorney? What happens after the arraignment – does the assigned attorney try to withdraw from representation? Will the attorney be prepared at the arraignment if his services cost only $20?

The existence of this DUI warranty service raises many questions. Consumers should be aware that the best way to proceed after being arrested for DUI is to secure the services of a licensed, competent attorney whom you trust to defend your case throughout the entire legal process.

Thinking that you may need an attorney for a future DUI charge? Avoid warranty services and seek out a DUI attorney with the know-how to tackle your case the right way from the start. Clint Patterson, Esq., of Patterson Law Firm, a former Tulsa prosecutor, now teaches other attorneys and law enforcement about sobriety testing techniques and defends Oklahoma drivers charged with DUIs. To schedule a case evaluation, visit Patterson Law Firm online or call Clint’s office at (918) 550-9175.