How do I decide whether to take the state's plea offer?
When facing DUI charges, there are options that need to be considered when deciding whether to take a plea bargain or take the case to trial. At Bray Law, we help you decide by looking at the case, the evidence, the officer involved, and the court (judge, jury, jurisdiction). All play a factor in deciding which would result in the best outcome.
Factors in deciding whether to plea or go to trial
One factor to look at would be if there was video in your case. By looking at the video, we can see if you look "drunk." Many times, a jury is not convinced by the officer's testimony that you didn't step exactly heel to toe or that you were slightly swaying. What a jury wants to see is if they would decide you were intoxicated had they been there watching you. Most of the time, videos help our case. At Bray Law, we can get you the video if there is one. If there's not a video, that can also work in your defense.
Another factor would be the seriousness of the DUI. Was it an accident? Any injuries? If so, the stakes are higher. Sometimes, the more serious, the more the jury or judge will find you guilty even when you are innocent and a plea bargain might be looked into to avoid a conviction at trial.
I want to plea my case out
If you decide a plea bargain, Bray Law can help you go into the negotiations with the upper hand. We know what to argue and what to say to the prosecutor to try to get a lesser charge, such as reckless driving. We sit down with the prosecutor and discuss the weaknesses and strengths of our defense and their prosecution. We argue substantive legal problems with your case and show the prosecutor his case is compromised. This could lead to a reduction to reckless driving or a dismissal.
The decision to enter a plea bargain is made by you. Bray Law will counsel you as to all the consequences of your decision to plea to any charge or to take your case to trial.
I want to take my case to trial
Bray Law will counsel you as to all the consequences of your decision to take your case to trial. If you choose to go to trial, Bray Law will gather all the evidence and argue to the jury that there are reasonable doubts as to your guilt. The state must show you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. That is a very high burden. Attorney Bridgett Bray knows how to see the flaws of the state's argument and the holes in the state's case. She knows how to speak to juries and how to argue to judges. Her experience as a trial attorney will work in your favor. Do not settle for an attorney that has never tried a case or a public defender that just wants to push you into taking a plea. Attorney Bray will fight for you until the end.
Contact Bray Law today for your Free Consultation.