DUI breath test cases offer a lesson in law practice management

November 10, 4:10 AMLaw Practice ExaminerDan Jaffe

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On the eve of an expected order in Tucson, Ariz., by a Superior Court Judge dismissing DUI cases because the make of the Intoxilyzer breath test machine refuses to disclose its source code, it is a good time to reflect on a the business practice of openness.

I strongly believe in openness. The more transparency with which you can run your law firm and your life, the easier it will be. If you don't have anything to hide, then don't try to hide anything.

Conversely, if you have something to hide, it may be time to re-examine your life and your practice. Lying is one of the biggest stresses in life. It eats at your health and your quality of life.

When the manufacturer of the Intoxilyzer 8000 breath test machine refuses to disclose usable source code for the defense in DUI cases to analyze, the question that immediately surfaces is "what are they hiding."

And make no mistake, they are hiding something.

Don't make the same mistake as CMI in your law practice. If you make a mistake in a clients case, admit it. Meet it head on. Fix it and take your lumps.

Be open and honest and your practice and your quality of life will thrive.