Attorney Teresa DiNardi

There is no simple answer to this question. Our law provides that a person can represent themselves, so it’s not required that a person hire a lawyer. But, taking into consideration that the prosecutor who will be handling the case for the state has had four years of college, three years of law school, is familiar with the rules of evidence, has had specialized training in the prosecution of cases at trial and has the resources of the state of Connecticut to prosecute you, it is probably in your best interest to hire an attorney. That being said, you do not “need” an attorney if you feel comfortable representing yourself.

Unlike medical doctors, who often have one area of medicine that they handle, lawyers are allowed to handle any type of case that comes into their office, provided that they know something about it or commit themselves to learning during the representation. This means that the lawyer you choose may not have handled many DUI cases, or may be learning as they go.

Everything is relative. I handle all my cases on a flat fee basis. This means that when I review your case, I tell you exactly what your fee will be. I do not bill by the hour, or send clients bills at the end of the month to ask for more money. When I get into a case your flat fee covers all proceedings prior to trial. It covers my representation of you at the courthouse and the Department of Motor Vehicles. It covers all meetings, postage, and phone calls.

Well, I believe that every case can be defended. I spend my time researching and looking for innovative ways to defend these cases. These are not easy cases for the state to prove – but only if you have a lawyer who is willing to put in the time. Many lawyers treat DUI cases as an easy way to make money and plead people guilty. So, you should stay away from those lawyers.

My name is Teresa DiNardi, and I have been practicing law since 2007 with Ruane Attorneys. Because I am a female, and the criminal defense bar is a male dominated field, I have always stuck out. Since my cases are DUI defense cases , lawyers around the courthouse took to calling me “Lady DUI,” a nickname which has stuck. I am the daughter of a former police officer and grew up in the greater Hartford area. My law firm has trademarked the name “Lady DUI” for my practice.

First thing you should do is call me. The phone number, 888-LADY-DUI (888-523-9384) rings to my cell phone. If I can, I will answer it. If I am unable to answer it, (usually because I am in court or with a client) please leave me a message and I will call you back as soon as I am able. I try to answer the phone every time it rings. Day or night. Then, put together all of the paperwork you have from the night. Bond receipts, Notice of Rights form, bar tabs or restaurant checks, etc. Keep that in a safe place for me to review when we meet. And try to relax. The toughest part, the humiliation of being arrested, is behind you. We’ll get through this together.