Vernon A. Smith

Vern represented me on a DUI case which was dismissed as a result of his thorough and detailed handling. I would recommend Vern, without hesitation, to anyone in a similar situation. He took great pains to prepare me and my case. Immediately, he had me write down what happened, in detail. This wa...s vital for both of us. Then he explained the procedures we'd go through, and the possible and likely outcomes. He had me proactively take the drug assessment and attend the one-day counselling and training, obtain a copy of my driving record, and prepare to get the driving interlock in place for the administrative suspension. Vern warned me that, despite a relatively low BAC (.099), that the state was pursuing DUI convictions aggressively. Although a plea was likely, it was by no means guaranteed. In the event, the prosecutor did not offer a plea and Vern presented motions for dismissal. The motions process was (to me) where Vern really shone. He prepared me ethically and well. At no time did he suggest I share anything but the facts, but he did tell me to be clear and straightforward. He had minutely examined the arrest report and -- during the motions hearing -- very painstakingly questioned me and the arresting officer. He raised a number of objections to the state's case (some detailed items on the stop, the Field Sobriety test and the BAC test process; some more obscure points regarding the law) and in the end, the judge upheld these objections and dismissed the case. At all times, Vern kept me informed. If anything, he kept my expectations low and the result was both a surprise and a relief. I cannot recommend him more highly.

I have used Vern on 3 DUI cases and 2 were dismissed and 1 was negotiated down to a negligent driving. In 2 cases during the motion part of the hearings he proved succesfully that the Police had no right to pull me over and sighted Supreme Court cases. Vern is very intelligent, professional and hard ...working. He also explained all of my options thouroughly and is an excellent communicator and does follow up. He likes to play hardball with the prosecutors and will not give in to accepting a plea bargain deal unless he feels it is in your best interest. More importantly he knows most of the prosecutors and judges and they respect him and his abilities and they know they have their hands full when they come up against him. I do not anticipate using Vern again as I cannot drink and drive as it is to risky. But if I were you I would look no further and go visit with Vern as you will not be sorry that you did. Plus his fees are reasonable and more than competitive.

Vern Smith has the experience and expertise I was looking for to defend me on my second DUI charge in a decade. The previously DUI lawyer I hired sold me on his ability in the interview but the moment he got my check he began trying to convince me to take a plea deal. This was not the case with ...Mr. Smith. I did a significant amount of research before I came to the decision to hire Vern Smith as I wanted a lawyer that was going to work hard on my case all the way through trial. Long story short; Due to Mr. Smith's experience the D.O.L. licensing case was Dismissed. The result of the Motions hearing due to Vern's extensive knowledge was that we won 4 of 6 motions. And finally in the end Vern stood by me for nearly 6 hours as the jury deliberated before retuning a verdict of NOT GUILTY. All through the 7 month process I could tell that Vern was very well respected by the other defense Lawyers in the court rooms, was respected by and well liked by the Judges we dealt with, and was definitely respected by, (and my have been intimidating to), the prosecutors who doubled up to take on Vern. I hope to never have the need again but for anyone else I recommend Vern 1000%

When it became clear, at the 25th hour, that my client was going to need representation far beyond the scope of the public defenders office, I called Vernon A. Smith as was recommended to me by another colleague. Both he and I were unsure as to whether the court would allow a change in representati...on at such a late date. Vernon agreed to take the case, contingent upon whether the court allowed him to step in. Vern immediately started making the necessary calls, making his presence known both to the public defenders office, and the prosecutors. The following week, we all went to court. Vern not only had himself made Primary Council, but brought with him new information on my clients case, that had been overlooked in the initial preliminary motions. This information, made it mandatory for the court to lower one of the charges, to a lesser charge, and in the end find my client Not Guilty on all other charges. Mr. Smith is Schooled in all there is to know about DUI/DWI legal-ease. More importantly however, is his ability to read people and situations. It is this gift, which makes him truly extraordinary at his profession. To say that Vern is a Master of his Craft, would be a vast understatement. I whole heartedly recommend Vernon A. Smith to all in need of the best.

I became in contact with Vern Smith the morning after i was pulled over for driving under the influence. Vern assured me that he would do everything possible to get the results that both he and i wanted; I knew that we were on the same page. Throughout the process of the case, Vern was very responsiv...e to any need that i had or any questions that I needed answered. He kept me very well informed of everything that i needed to do to make this process go as smoothly as possible. (ie, classes, appointments, court hearings) Not only would he get the proper paper work out in a timely manner, but he would follow up with a phone call to make sure everything was taking care of. In the court room, Vern was the ultimate professional in every sense of the word. He got me the results that i needed, and I'am sure that he will get you the results that you need as well. It is very apparent that Mr Smith is very well respected by his co-workers, and by the judges that he has worked with. In my opinion, Vern Smith is one of the best DUI defense lawyers int the entire state.