Frequently Asked Questions

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:

Why should I hire your Tennessee DUI Lawyers?  Because Our Tennessee DUI Lawyers 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.