After a DUI arrest, people are often confused, scared, and have questions about how the legal process will proceed. In many instances, drivers who have been accused of driving drunk do not think that they were guilty of DUI or want to do everything they can to avoid a conviction. As a result, a common question that DUI defendants have is whether they should maintain their innocence and take their case to trial.
Trial is Relatively Uncommon
The decision to take a case to trial to trial or not must be made on an individual basis and after a careful consideration of all options available. As a result, it is not possible to give general advice about whether DUI case should be tried or not, as each case is different and has its own unique facts.
That being said, it should be noted that the overwhelming majority of DUI cases are resolved before trial, either through a plea bargain or the prosecutor deciding not to pursue the case. This is because in most cases, the prosecution has strong evidence indicating that the accused was drunk at the time that he or she was driving, and plea bargains usually result in a much better outcome for defendants than a guilty verdict would.
When to Take a Case to Trial
There are certain circumstances where it may be a good idea to go to trial. Some of these include the following:
- If the prosecution’s evidence is relatively weak
- If the outcome of a guilty plea would result in an outcome you find unacceptable, such as jail time, which is often the case for subsequent offenses
- If there are issues regarding the reliability of evidence against you
- If you have a medical condition that could mimic the symptoms of alcohol intoxication, such as diabetes or a TBI
Call the Law Offices of Randolph Rice Today to Speak with an Experienced Baltimore DUI Defense Lawyer Today
If you have been accused of a DUI in the Baltimore area, you should call a lawyer as soon as possible, as doing so will ensure that your case is resolved as favorably as possible. To schedule a consultation, call the Law Offices of Randolph Rice today at 410-288-2900 or contact us online.
