Call or Text Now About Your Case
Phone (405) 579-3700

Norman DUI Attorney

Facing DUI and DWI Charges in Norman can be an extremely difficult time. To add to the stress of the criminal process, many DUI attorneys claim they can get you a better deal than other attorneys in exchange for a hefty fee, of course. The sad reality is that due to the nature of DUI charges, the deals reached by these attorneys don’t stray far from deals reached by any other competent attorney.

I have conducted extensive research into the plea bargains being struck by the self-professed DUI “gurus,” “teachers” and “go-to guys” who are charging huge fees for first-offense misdemeanor driving under the influence (DUI) cases. On average, those lawyers are getting their clients the same deals as any other competent attorney who practices criminal defense in Oklahoma.

No lawyer can legitimately claim that they don’t ever eventually advise their clients to plead guilty to a DUI charge. Any honest attorney will tell you that an actual DUI charge will usually lead to a guilty plea with some sort of reduced charge – not every time, but more often than not. Yet, some attorneys hide this and attempt to frighten first-time misdemeanor DUI defendants into paying more money than is necessary to avoid a conviction.

My name is Terry L. Pierce, and I will not waste your time or your money. To schedule a meeting to discuss your DUI arrest, call my Norman office at (405) 579-3700 or contact me online.

DWI vs. DUI Charges in Norman

Oklahoma has strict laws regarding whether an individual may be charged with a DWI or DUI. DWI, or driving while impaired, is the less serious of the two. An individual operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .05 %- .08 % may be charged with impaired driving. However, an individual doesn’t need a specific BAC to be charged with a DWI. All that is necessary to establish this charge is for an individual to be driving a motor vehicle on public roads (and some private roads) with impaired ability due to alcohol or an intoxicating substance.

DUI is the more serious of the two offenses. In Oklahoma, it is unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC above .08%, is under the influence of alcohol, has any schedule I narcotic in their system, or is otherwise under the influence of an intoxicating substance other than (or combined with) alcohol that renders them incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle. It is not a defense if an individual charged with DUI is lawfully entitled to use a controlled substance. 

It is crucial to understand that an individual does not have to be operating a motor vehicle to be convicted of DUI. All that is necessary is for them to be in actual physical control of the vehicle.

Challenging Evidence And The Legality Of Your DUI Arrest

You may ask: “Does Mr. Pierce have an Intoxilyzer machine in his office?” My answer: “No, I don’t. I’ve successfully defended numerous murder cases, and I don’t have a DNA lab in my office, either.”

If an expert witness is needed to contest the science of the Intoxilyzer the standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs) or anything else, then I hire an expert. But, in the vast majority of first-time misdemeanor DUI cases, an expert witness is simply unnecessary. The same goes for a trial – typically, it’s unnecessary. Other lawyers may not tell you this before you pay their fees; they just take more of your hard-earned money to get the same deals. On average, most attorneys plea out the same ratio of first-time misdemeanor DUI charges as any other competent criminal lawyer.

When you hire me, no deal will be sought or struck until your case has been thoroughly examined to determine whether a dismissal, reduction to a traffic offense or a trial is a viable alternative to a guilty plea. I am not afraid of the courtroom or the prosecutors (you can see my case history for proof). I have more than 30 years of successful criminal trial experience in weighing facts, reading people, comprehending science, and not making mountains out of molehills. In fact, I negotiate eventual dismissals (that means no conviction) for most of my first-time misdemeanor DUI clients. I work to get you results without charging you a fortune.

See why you may want to politely refuse to perform standardized field sobriety tests.

Extensive Experience In First-Time DUI Cases

If you ever have to go to court, then it is in your best interests to be represented by an experienced, reputable defense lawyer who you trust. You should feel confident that your attorney will actually devote the time and attention to your case needs. That certainly applies to first-time misdemeanor DUI cases. An arrest for a first-time misdemeanor DUI, driving while impaired (DWI), or actual physical control (APC) offense could have serious consequences. These may include fines, court costs, community service and even jail time.

However, most prosecutors do not seek jail time for first-time misdemeanor DUI offenders. They focus instead on financial punishment and establish standard recommendations for plea bargains. Any experienced, conscientious trial lawyer (“guru” or not) will gather evidence from both sides and assess the strength of the case against you. If a conviction is likely or certain, the terms of the deal will fall within a standard range of reasons within which every lawyer will encourage their client to settle.

What Your First-Time Misdemeanor DUI Will Likely Cost You With Lawyer Fees:

This makes an estimated total cost to you of about $1,925 for the typical first-time DUI experience, not including attorney fees or modified license fees. An interlock device is roughly $1,000 for 12 months of installation. So, why pay huge lawyer fees on top of already having to throw an estimated $3,000 out the window? On your first misdemeanor DUI arrest, you don’t need to pay more than $1,500 to a lawyer if your state district court case is resolved without a trial.

What To Look For in a DUI Defense Attorney

Facing a DUI charge in Norman is no joke. When choosing an attorney, you must look for someone who can handle your case with the utmost competence regardless of the circumstances or their current workload. One wrong move could have you facing consequences that could have easily been avoided with the right legal team in your case. Here’s what to look for in a Norman DUI defense attorney:

  • Experience: First and foremost, the DUI defense attorney you choose should know what they are doing. Look for someone with a track record of success in defending DUI cases, preferably in Norman and surrounding areas in Oklahoma. Knowing the local court system is a plus. They will be able to confidently navigate the courtroom setting and have longstanding relationships with local prosecutors, which will come in handy while negotiating on your behalf.
  • Aggressive Tactics: You need an attorney who will not shy away or back down from the prosecution at any step of the legal process. Look for an attorney who won’t settle for the first deal presented, which frequently is not the best possible deal. Further, it would help if you had an attorney who would challenge the prosecution’s evidence every chance possible. This includes challenging the legality of your traffic stop, how the chain of evidence was handled, and if any of your constitutional rights were violated.
  • Communication: Your Norman DUI defense attorney should keep you up to speed on how your case is handled and what stage of the legal process you are at. Look for an attorney who can handle your calls and is responsive to your emails. You don’t want to be left in the dark regarding your case.
  • Track Record of Success: A great indicator of an attorney’s value is their history of success in similar cases. Search their website for reviews from former clients who are happy with how their case was handled. 
  • Courtroom Presence: If negotiations fall through, you’ll need an attorney to represent you at trial. Look for an attorney with solid trial skills, such as public speaking and evidence presentation.

These are just some key attributes to look for in a Norman DUI defense attorney. When you put your case in the hands of Terry Pierce and the attorneys at Pierce Law Firm P.C., you’re getting a team that won’t back down until they get the best possible result for you. Our three decades of defending the criminal accused in Norman and surrounding areas speaks volumes.

What Does a DUI Attorney Do?

If you’re facing a DUI in Norman, it’s natural to wonder whether you can handle the situation alone. While you technically can handle your DUI charge alone, it’s certainly not advisable. But you may be on the fence about hiring a DUI attorney because you aren’t sure how they can help. Here’s what a DUI defense attorney does:

  • Understand Your Case: A DUI defense attorney will usually offer a no-cost consultation to meet with you and discuss your case. It’s essential to be honest with your attorney during the initial consultation so that they can correctly asses your case’s chances for a positive outcome. Also, all DUI cases must be handled differently. For example, refusing to submit to a breathalyzer requires a different approach than blowing over the legal limit.
  • Investigation: A skilled DUI attorney will investigate your case once retained. They will analyze police reports, bodycam footage, witness reports, and all available evidence to assess your case’s weak and strong points.
  • Negotiation: DUI attorneys can negotiate on your behalf to receive a favorable deal with the prosecution. Having a strong negotiator by your side will save you money and time in the long run by avoiding trial.
  • Trial Advocacy: Your DUI attorney will represent you at trial if necessary. This involves arguing your case before the judge and jury and challenging the prosecution’s case against you.
  • Post-Conviction Relief: Your attorney will advise you on your chances of appeal and help you during the sentencing process if you are convicted of DUI.

There are many different ways an attorney can help during your DUI case. You’ll be forced to navigate the process alone without a skilled attorney. This will dramatically decrease your chances of a successful outcome, even if it may save you money in the short term.

Contact Me Today To Get Started On Your DUI Defense

At Pierce Law Firm, P.C., I charge reasonable, competitive legal fees for clients charged with a first-time misdemeanor DUI offense in an Oklahoma district court when a trial is not necessary – and, usually, a trial is not necessary for a first-time misdemeanor DUI charge. Call my Norman office at (405) 579-3700 or reach out to me online to speak with me about how little you may have to pay for a serious defense of your first-time misdemeanor DUI charge.