When you get charged with DUI, you have options. You can try to go to trial, or you can see what kind of deal you can get. Here are some of the things you should think about.
Can You Get a Good Plea Deal?
In most places, the district attorney will offer a plea deal on almost every case. Sometimes it will be a good deal, and sometimes it won't. The best deal for most people is if you get the charge moved to a traffic violation instead of a criminal DUI. This keeps you from having a criminal record.
If you're charged with an aggravated DUI because you were well over the limit or caused an accident, you may be able to plead down to a basic DUI. This might reduce you from a felony to a misdemeanor. You should also think about the possible fines and jail sentence.
What's Your Job?
Some people have jobs that affect what kind of plea bargain they can take and how hard they need to fight to beat the charges. You may need to avoid any kind of criminal conviction, avoid a DUI conviction, or keep your driving record clean of even violations. If you can't get a deal that meets those conditions, you have to decide if you want to find a new job or if you want to risk going to trial to try to keep your job.
How Strong is the Case Against You?
Not all DUI cases are as strong as others. Even if you know you were drunk while you were driving, the police might have made a mistake that would make it hard for the district attorney to prove the case in court. If the case against you is weak, you have a higher chance of winning at trial. Your DUI attorney can help you figure out your odds.
What Are Judges and Juries Like in Your Area?
How judges and juries treat DUI cases varies widely by location. Some areas have juries that nearly always convict, while others acquit most of the time. Some judges are more likely to rule that the police made mistakes and throw out evidence, while others throw the book at DUI defendants. You'll need to ask your attorney how judges and juries are where you got charged.
To learn more about the right way to handle your DUI case, talk to a local DUI attorney today.
After I was with some people who robbed a store, I was placed in a really bad situation. I was being accused of committing the bulk of the crime, but I knew I was innocent. I started working with a criminal attorney for help, and it was the difference I needed to prove my innocence. I decided to start a new blog that centered around defending yourself, because whether you like it or not, it may be necessary from time to time. Check out these posts for great information on working with lawyers when you need to fight for your rights in court.