The fastest way to contact Artz & Sturm: ‪(310) 400-6356‬

Contact

Can I Avoid A Trial for a DUI?

dui lawyers in los angelesIf you are facing a DUI charge in California, you may be able to avoid going to trial. In reality, most DUI cases do not go to trial.

For first time DUI offenders, most of the time a plea offer will be made, whereby you plead guilty to driving under the influence but in exchange, you received reduced punishment.

In some situations, making a plea bargain may not be the best option – depending on the circumstances of your case. In these situations, you may be better off going to court and entering a plea of not guilty in order to reduce your charges.

This all depends on your specific situation:

  • Your blood alcohol content
  • How many offenses you have
  • The extent of the damage (if any)
  • Number of charges being brought against you
  • Any evidence of bad driving
  • Bad Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs)
  • And more

An experienced DUI attorney will be able to look at your case and tell you more about your options, and which path makes the most sense moving forward.

When Should You Avoid Going to Trial for a DUI?

Depending on the details of your case, there can be dozens of factors that determine whether going to trial is the best move or not.

In some cases, the police may have trouble proving that you were the person driving the vehicle.

Other times, there can be issues with the BAC tests the arresting officers administered. There are quite a few documented problems with the accuracy of blood tests, ranging from:

  • The legality of the seizure of blood
  • The accuracy of the b.a.c. test
  • Physical problems that may skew FST results

In some situations , presenting a viable defense can be challenging when a jury is involved. This is why oftentimes, you may be better off settling without a trial with the prosecution and the judge.

Who Decides to Settle a DUI Case Out of Court?

Ultimately, the decision to settle out of court is up to you. Your attorney can’t make the decision for you, but they will give you a recommendation based on the circumstances of your case so that you can make an informed decision.

If, for example, you have any other criminal history, or you have prior DUIs, it is very likely that the state will offer you a harsh punishment if your case goes to trial. In situations like these, it would be recommended that you accept a plea deal – as this will typically dramatically reduce the punishments you are dealt.

Fortunately, you receive your plea bargain before you have to make a decision about which road to take. Discussing your options and circumstances with your attorney is important for making the best decision for your case.  An experienced and respected DUI attorney that wins DUI trials will get you a better deal.

If you are not satisfied with the plea offer you receive, you always have the option to go to trial with your DUI attorney. However, it is important to understand that going to trial doesn’t mean you’re going to win, or that you will experience a better outcome than what the plea agreement would have been. This is very important to keep in mind when deciding whether you should take your DUI case to trial or not.

Have You Been Charged With A DUI in Los Angeles?

DUI charges are a serious matter. The outcome of your case can have a long-term effect on your life. It is important that you get access to the right information and have the proper legal assistance to make the best decision moving forward – in order to reduce your charges as best you can.

The only way to really know what decision is best for you is to work with an experienced Los Angeles DUI Attorney who can evaluate your case and advise you on the process.

My name is Jon Artz, and I have over 40+ years of experience helping clients fight their DUI charges with the legal protection they deserve. If you have been charged with a DUI in Los Angeles, contact me today for a free case evaluation. You deserve a second chance, and you deserve the best representation for your case.

Comments are closed.