CdJawa is correct. Usually, people are arrested for the first time when they pick up a DUI. It is not a fun experience, and I think that the arrest alone is enough to jar people into the reality that what they did was a very very bad idea. Not to mention the $15,000 it took to as you would say "get off" due to my "super lawyer" skills. Honestly though, to be really frank with you, when it comes to DUIs, either it is or it isn't. There is rarely, if ever, a case where someone is guilty of DUI, and they get off scott free. It happens, but it is usually not the case.
DUIs are fact based, and very heavy discovery driven. The facts control, and there isn't realistically a way to change the facts. That's why you need a DUI specialist handling your DUI. Most general criminal practioners are not able to handle DUI cases. There are certain tactics and defenses that can be utilized, but it really depends on how the facts play out.
A good DUI attorney is not necessarily the one that gets you off. A good DUI attorney recognizes the issues, looks into the possible defenses and weaknesses in the case, recognizes if there is a possibility of a reduction or dismissal given the facts, and takes action to try to get you the best result.
A good DUI attorney also knows when the client as they say is "Dead under the water," recognizes that, and tells the client the reality of what they are facing. They then work through it, get the client to understand, and advise the client on what the best decision to take is. Sometimes, the hardest thing is to be brutality honest with the client and tell them it's best to kill the case. But sometimes, if not often, that is the reality.
A good DUI attorney also breaks down what is going on in the case so that the client understands. The attorney keeps the client in the loop. The most important thing the client can have is to understand what is going on. Then, they make the wise decisions. A good attorney also makes sure to tie up all the lose ends so that the path to getting a license is created. The true good DUI attorney's job is done only after the client gets their full license back.
So, if a DUI attorney goes through ALL THAT with a client? Then they get the tools and knowledge to understand that this never should and never shall happen again.
That is what I mean when I say a good DUI attorney will never have repeat customers.