WHAT YOU JUST WENT THROUGH.
The arrest was scary, the Standard Field Sobriety Tests were terrifying and they wouldn't even let you talk to a lawyer before they asked you to blow into this strange machine. At some point you were drinking and having a good time and at some point later you were arrested. You are not alone. DUI is a common crime and is a big money-maker for the State. The only question you have is what's next?
CAN I GO IT ALONE?
No, although the Constitution allows you to act pro se, this is about the worst thing you can do. The Prosecutor is a seasoned lawyer whose job it is to put people in jail or prison. The officers that arrested you have testified hundreds of times and the Judge will hold you to the same standard as a skilled defense attorney at trial. Maybe you're thinking you will just show up and plead guilty. Again, you can do that but you have surrendered the battle. You may not have to pay a lawyer but you will pay. Without skilled representation you will almost certainly pay more in fines and related fees. A good DUI lawyer can save you money! Most importantly, a good DUI lawyer can save your freedom.
I HATE LAWYERS AND I CERTAINLY DON'T WANT TO PAY ONE!
This is not Law & Order and the defense attorney spends his life fighting against the full weight of the system that is coming crashing down on you. One part advocate, one part counselor and one part strategist, I represent people charged with crimes with zeal and professionalism. You have nothing to lose by setting an appointment with BAYS LAW FIRM. The consultation is free and if you choose not to hire me-you go on your way much more knowledgeable than you came in. I will assess your case and tell you in plain terms what you're looking at. Call (405) 310-2142 today to set your appointment.
I WANT TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL DUI LAWYER!
Good, you have chosen to let the District Attorney's office know that you are not going to surrender your money or your freedom easily. BAYS LAW FIRM begins representation as soon as the retainer is paid. Legal fees must always be reasonable and my fees are based upon the difficulty of the matter, the amount of time involved, the number of priors (if any) and a plethora of other factors. Whatever the fee, I offer payment plans for almost any situation. Very few clients have to turn down my service because of inability to pay.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I HIRE YOU?
First, I do a detailed intake with you and get every fact of your case that you can remember. You will be asked about prior criminal charges and other issues which may impact your case. Second, I will request an administrative hearing with DPS and keep you driving. Third, I will request all video and audio tapes from your arrest as well as the maintenance log from the breathe machine. Finally, I will investigate the scene of the arrest and do any other investigations that I feel may be necessary including interviewing additional witnesses.
WILL I HAVE TO GO TO COURT?
Criminal cases operate on a docket system and each docket moves the case further along toward a dismissal, trial or plea. I try to keep you from coming to court more than is necessary. I am committed to not disturbing your work or family schedule however typically all clients must appear at their arraignment or initial appearance. Also, you will almost always need to be present at your trial or plea. Most of the dockets in between will not require your presence.
First Setting is often called an arraignment or initial appearance: Here you will usually enter a not-guilty plea and be formally charged with a crime by a document called an "Information."
Second Setting is often called a disposition docket or call docket: Here, you normally will not need to be present and I will either set the case for trial or plea.
Third Setting will usually be the trial or the plea date. You will almost always need to be present.
This does not mean that there are only three settings. Sometimes cases get continued multiple times on the same docket (such as a disposition or trial docket).
TRIAL v. PLEA-WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Every single case is different. After all the evidence is collected and all the reports obtained and analyzed, I will hold a meeting with you to discuss the merits of the case and the likelihood of winning at trial. It is easy for the state to get a conviction from a jury on a DUI. As such, not many DUI cases get to trial. Often times, DUI cases that are weak are dismissed (which is good for you). I would much rather get a dismissal than an acquittal from a jury.
WHAT GOES INTO DUI REPRESENTATION?
Your DUI arrest was actually a series of small procedures engaged in by the arresting officers. The initial stop, the roadside detention, the Standard Field Sobriety Tests, the questions asked of you, the breath or blood tests and the officer's observations of you are all single slices of a complicated pie. Why were you stopped? Why were you asked about your drinking? Were the SFST's done in accordance with National Highway Transportation Safety Administration standards? Were the Board of Test rules followed for chemical tests in Oklahoma? These are all questions only an experienced DUI lawyer would even know to ask.
