The Value of Board Certified® Legal Representation
With so much at stake in your DWI case, you’ll need to turn to experienced DWI attorneys who remain on the cutting edge of DWI defense & legal strategy in Texas.
At The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates, our lawyers travel around the country to train on the newest DWI equipment, attend seminars, and continue to increase their extensive understanding of the law and science behind the formation of an effective DWI defense.
By training on the exact same devices that police and prosecutors use to try to convict you, we’re better equipped to construct a strong defense on your behalf.
Our dedication to improving the Texas DWI bar, and our experience in criminal defense law has been recognized by our peers; attorneys Tad Nelson & Amber Spurlock are routinely asked to speak at DWI seminars and training programs, and share their vast knowledge of DWI law with other attorneys. We use our understanding of DWI law to ensure that you have a knowledgeable, highly skilled advocate protecting your rights at all stages of your case.
What is a Criminal Law Board Certified Attorney?
The consumer can identify a Criminal Law Board Certified attorney in one of many ways. A Board Certified® attorney is entitled to indicate certification on business cards and firm letterhead by stating “Board Certified – Criminal Law – Texas Board of Legal Specialization“.
The attorney may also display the Certificate of Special Competence awarded by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and list the certification in legal directories and telephone listings under “Attorneys – Board Certified.”
Initial certification is valid for a period of five years. To remain certified, an attorney must apply for re-certification every five years and meet practice, peer review and continuing legal education requirements for the specialty field. An attorney who is Board Certified® by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Criminal Law must have experience in the preparation and trial of serious criminal matters.
The attorney must also have extensive knowledge of state and federal constitutional law, evidence, procedure and penal laws involved in the trial of these matters. A relatively small percentage of all Texas lawyers are board certified in a particular area of specialization.
To become Board Certified in Criminal Law, an attorney must have:
- Been licensed to practice law for at least five years
- Devoted a required percentage of practice to criminal law for at least three years
- Handled a wide variety of criminal law matters to demonstrate experience and involvement
- Attended criminal law continuing education seminars regularly to keep legal training up to date
- Been evaluated by fellow lawyers and judges
- Passed a day-long written examination covering state & federal criminal law
The Texas Board of Legal Specialization was created by, and operates under the authority of, the Supreme Court of Texas. Its members are appointed by the President of the State Bar of Texas. The Board administers the program by which an attorney may earn a certificate of special competence in a particular field of law. The program is voluntary and is funded entirely by fees imposed on participating attorneys.
Are There Board Certified DWI Lawyers?
Unfortunately, the Texas Board of Legal Specialization does not have a certification specific to the field of drinking and driving. However, you can rest assured knowing that a lawyer who is Board Certified® in Criminal Law has the experience to identify all of the factual and legal issues in your DWI case and offer you “above average” legal representation. Attorney Tad Nelson has been a board certified defense attorney since December 1996, and is committed to upholding the standards and guidelines set forth by the board.
*The Texas Board of Legal Specialization certifies attorneys in 20 specific areas of law; certification in any of these areas requires substantial demonstrated experience and skill, positive peer evaluations, ongoing legal education commitments and the passage of a rigorous test.
