DUI Defense Lawyers Association

The DUI Defense Lawyers Association (abbreviated DUIDLA) is a nonprofit professional bar association for attorneys who defend driving-under-the-influence (DUI/DWI) cases in the United States and Canada. Founded in 2014, the organization provides Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars, resources, and amicus curiae support in impaired-driving litigation.

History

The DUI Defense Lawyers Association was incorporated as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit in June 2014 under New Jersey law. It was created to provide a democratically governed professional body for attorneys focused on DUI defense. New Jersey attorney Evan M. Levow is identified as the first president.

The association expanded its training offerings, hosting national and regional CLE seminars, such as the 2022 Fall Seminar in Austin and the 2023 Fall Seminar in Atlanta. It has co-sponsored training with the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

In 2024, John C. Collins was named president of the association.

Programs

DUIDLA's primary programs include national and regional CLE seminars covering topics such as forensic science, trial strategy, and case law developments. The organization also offers Board Certification in DUI Defense Law, a credential based on experience, examination, and peer review overseen by a certification committee. Members also have access to practice resources such as document banks and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) studies.

Organization

DUIDLA is governed by an executive committee and a board of directors. As of 2025, its leadership includes John C. Collins (President), Greg Willis (President-Elect), and Sarah Schielke (President Emeritus).

DUIDLA operates as a 501(c)(6) professional association. A related entity, the DUIDLA Justice Foundation, provides scholarships for public defenders to attend training.

DUIDLA has co-sponsored seminars with other professional associations, including the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.

Notable cases

DUIDLA has participated as amicus curiae in significant impaired-driving cases. Its filings include Waters v. Georgia before the U.S. Supreme Court (No. 19-996, 2020), as well as briefs submitted to the Ohio Supreme Court in 2020 and 2024. These cases addressed evidentiary and constitutional issues in DUI prosecutions.

Publications

The association publishes educational materials, including Board Certification guidelines and document banks.

Members

Founding members of DUILDA include James O. Ruane and various others.

DUIDLA Charter Members are:

See also

  • National College for DUI Defense
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Lawyer Legion profile

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