DUI FAQ

I’ve been charged with a DUI. What are my options?
You have two choices: plead guilty or plead not guilty.

Should I plead guilty?
By pleading guilty, you are giving up any chance of obtaining a not guilty verdict or reaching a mutually satisfactory agreement to plead to a lesser offense. However, should you plead guilty, the court will first ask you if you agree to waive your important constitutional rights to a jury trial, an appeal, to not incriminate yourself, and other rights. The judge will then sentence you to jail for somewhere between the minimum and maximum sentence.

What kind of a sentence could I receive?
The specific penalties to which the judge sentences you will vary based upon the offense(s) to which you plead guilty, the county you are in, and even the judge who hears your case. DUI convictions require, at a minimum, some time in jail, an alcohol safety program, a substantial fine, and probation. For more details, see DUI Penalties.

Why should I plead not guilty?
Pleading not guilty often results in a much better result than pleading guilty. With the assistance of an experienced lawyer, the client is provided with an opportunity to conduct a thorough investigation of all the facts and ultimately either have a preliminary hearing, trial, or resolution of the case by plea agreement.

How should I decide which attorney to hire?
You should choose the best attorney you can afford. Interview prospective attorneys before you hire them. Consider and ask any prospective lawyer the following questions:

• Has the attorney published any books or articles on DUI defense?
  
• Has the attorney lectured to his or her peers on DUI defense?
  
• Is the attorney certified by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration to give field sobriety tests?
  
• Is the majority of the attorney’s practice devoted to DUI defense?
  
• Did you find the attorney through a referral from a lawyer, friend, or someone familiar with your legal community, as opposed to receiving a direct-mail advertisement?
  
• Has the attorney continuously maintained their law license?
  
• Has the attorney been awarded the highest possible peer rating by the renowned Martindale-Hubbell® rating system for his or her legal and ethical standards?
  
• Does the attorney regularly use a licensed private investigator with former law enforcement experience?
  
• Does the attorney have a practice courtroom in his or her office to prepare for trial?

Why should I hire May & Ryan, PLC?
Because May & Ryan, PLC can answer “Yes” to everyone one of these questions.

How much do private attorneys charge?
Different attorneys will charge varying amounts, but their fees usually reflect of the level of expertise, time, and energy each spends on the client’s behalf.

How much are May & Ryan, PLC’s fees?
May & Ryan, PLC charges either a flat rate fee or an hourly rate fee for representing you. This ensures that May & Ryan, PLC will be able to spend whatever time is necessary to attempt to achieve your goals.