When you or a loved one are charged with the serious offense of DUI or DWI in Virginia, you want the best legal advice possible. Much is at risk: A loss of license, high fines, a permanent criminal record, and possible sentence of jail time for a First Offense DUI in Virginia.
However, when you are searching for the best DUI lawyer in Virginia to handle your case, be aware that the Virginia State Bar prevents any attorney to claim that he or she is the best DUI lawyer.
It is unethical and wrong for a lawyer to claim that status because it is misleading and cannot be substantiated. You do not want a lawyer who is willing to put such claims in their advertising material online, in direct mail, or in the yellow pages. In 2005, the Virginia Supreme Court approved a legal ethics opinion on the topic. The opinion directed attorneys to follow the following:
Rule 7.1(a)(3) prohibits communications that compare a lawyer’s services with other lawyers, unless the comparison can be factually substantiated. This provision is intended to prohibit misleading, unsubstantiated claims by lawyers that they are “the greatest” or “the best,” or that their firm is the “premier” firm in Virginia. Any advertisement which makes statements or claims beyond the fact that the lawyer is listed in such a publication must comply with Rule 7.1.
The Virginia State Bar directed “lawyers who choose to communicate information to the public concerning their services are not merely permitted, but indeed are encouraged, to base their communications upon accurate, factual information describing legitimate credentials. This type of information is likely to assist consumers in making decisions with regard to available legal services. Descriptive characterizations of objective credentials are permissible, so long as the characterizations are accurate and truthful.”
Rule 7.1(a)(3):
Rule 7.1 Communications And Advertising Concerning A Lawyer’s Services
(a) A lawyer shall not, on behalf of the lawyer or any other lawyer affiliated with the lawyer or the firm, use or participate in the use of any form of public communication if such communication contains a false, fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive statement or claim. For example, a communication violates this Rule if it:
(3) compares the lawyer’s services with other lawyers’ services, unless the comparison can be factually substantiated;
The Virginia State Bar added that “Attorneys must take care that an otherwise permissible communication is not rendered unethical due to mis-characterization. Finally, although qualitative statements are permissible within a context that demonstrates their factual basis, the same types of qualitative statements when made in the absence of such context, may be prohibited as unsubstantiated comparisons of one lawyer’s services with the services provided by other lawyers”
The Gordon Law Firm practices criminal defense, reckless driving and DUI law in Virginia. Our lawyers Alex Gordon and Carlos Wall have been recognized by several organizations for our work and reputation as DUI lawyers in Virginia. These organizations include Avvo.com, the National Trial Lawyers, and NorthernVirginia Magazine. Many former clients have posted positive reviews on Google and Yahoo.com.
However, we will never claim that we are “SuperLawyers” or are the “Best Lawyers in Virginia”
A person looking for help is looking for the best DUI attorney for their own personal needs. We recommend contacting experienced DUI attorneys near your local jurisdiction and have a lengthy conversation about the circumstances of your DUI arrest. Ask as many questions as you want of the DUI lawyer and if you get the feeling that he or she is being honest and forthright, and that lawyer has the skills and knowledge that you feel comfortable with, then that person may be the “best DUI lawyer” for you.
The Gordon Law Firm have helped more than 400 people charged with DUI in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William County who decided to place their trust in our skill and abilities. If you are in need of help for a DUI charge in Virginia, we offer a free consultation. Contact us at 703-218-8416 or send an email to thegordonlawfirm@gmail.com.