Driving While Intoxicated or DWI is no laughing matter.

Even for those facing their first offense, the punishment can be severe, from a suspended license to thousands in fines and even serious jail time.

It's imperative if you have a court date coming up that you find a good DWI attorney to represent you and your interests, rather than try to go it alone and hope for the best.

When searching for a DWI attorney, be sure to find one that specializes in DWI cases and other criminal offenses.

A business or family attorney just isn't going to be familiar with the laws that are involved or really know how to argue your case.

If you have a family attorney or know someone that practices law, you should definitely ask him or her for a referral to a good DWI attorney. They shouldn't be offended by this and should know someone that can help you.

Of course you can also look online and in the yellow pages for a DWI attorney, but you don't want to be swayed just by a nice looking advertisement. Ask how long they've been doing this and how many DWI cases they handle every month and every year.

What is their ratio of clients that receive lighter or reduced sentences?

What can they advise you about your own particular case?

A good DWI attorney shouldn't hesitate to spend a few minutes on the phone or in person hearing about your particular case and advising you on what he or she can do for you personally.

You should develop a rapport with anyone that's going to represent you in court, and your DWI attorney is not exception.