18 years experience of defending DUIs, many resulting in acquittals.
Did you give a breath sample? How did you perform on the field tests? CDL driver? If you answered yes, you may have good options.
The right to be presumed innocent until a jury decides that the evidence proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt is among the most important rights that define the American system of justice. No person accused of a crime should lightly give up that right.
When you accept a plea bargain, you know you will be found guilty. If you take your case to trial, a jury might find you not guilty. Even when the evidence of guilt seems strong, juries sometimes acquit the defendant. In some cases, the prosecutor drops the ball. In others, the jury does not like the arresting officer or other key prosecution witnesses. Sometimes jurors are afraid that they might be charged with DUI after having a couple glasses of wine with dinner and they vote to acquit because they think DUI laws are unfair.
Losing the presumption of innocence is the great disadvantage of a DUI plea bargain. When you decide to force the prosecution to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, you give yourself a chance to avoid all the consequences of a DUI conviction. You need to think carefully before you make that decision, benefiting from the advice and wisdom that an experienced DUI defense attorney can provide.
In my 18 years of practice, I have enjoyed handling hundreds upon hundreds of DUI cases. Call me for a free consultation and to see if a plea of guilty makes sense in light of the circumstances of your arrest. DUI cases are often beatable.