Have you been arrested for a DUI? Are you wondering what you need to do to prepare for your DUI trial?
Going to trial for a DUI can be scary. But, if you prepare in the right manner, your DUI trial may turn out better than expected. Read on to learn how to prepare for a DUI trial.
Understand How the Trial Process Works
You don’t want to show up to your first day of court without having any idea of what’s ahead. While each trial looks different, generally, you can expect the same process from trial to trial. This is what you can expect:
Jury Selection
Jury selection involves choosing the jury members who will be deciding on the verdict of the case. Both the defense and prosecution will question a potential juror pool, and each side will have the opportunity to dismiss jurors that they don’t think are fit for the case.
Opening Statements
Once the jury has been selected, the judge will set a date for opening statements. During opening statements, the prosecutor and the defendant take turns telling the jurors what they believe the evidence will show.
In the case of a DUI trial, your lawyer will explain to the jurors why the evidence doesn’t prove the DUI charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
Presentation of Evidence and Closing Arguments
After opening statements, the meat and potatoes of the trial will begin. Both sides will take turns presenting evidence to the jury. In the case of a DUI trial, evidence usually involves witness testimony and results of chemical tests.
During closing arguments, both sides have the chance to go back over the evidence and explain how it does or doesn’t support the charges. After this, the jury will deliberate and come back with a verdict. After this, the judge will give you a sentence, which typically involves a fine and community service. In some cases, it may also involve jail time.
Hire an Attorney
It’s very important that you hire an experienced DUI lawyer to help you with your case. To find an attorney, you can search online or ask your friends or family members for recommendations.
If you don’t have the funds to pay for an attorney, you can ask the court to appoint you a public defender. Before the trial begins, your lawyer can help you decide whether or not it’s in your best interest to plead guilty or not guilty. If there’s a lot of evidence against you, pleading guilty may be the best bet, as doing so can reduce your sentence. You can visit this office location if you’re looking for a DUI lawyer in San Diego.
DUI Trial: Time to Prepare
Now that you know how to prepare for a DUI trial, it’s time to get started. As soon as you’ve been arrested for a DUI, you should begin your search for an attorney.
With the right attorney by your side, your DUI charge will hopefully become a thing of the past. Be sure to check back in with our blog for more articles like this one!