Why don't I just plead guilty to DUI get the least possible sentence?
The simple answer is that the consequences of a DUI conviction are just too great to not fight it. Too many people think that if they just plead guilty and accept responsibility right away, the state will go easy on them. My belief is the opposite; most people will get better results if they fight their case just because the prosecutors are limited by time and resources. And many times because of mandatory sentencing, the prosecutor has very little to offer a DUI defendant for pleading guilty.
There is a difference between innocent and not guilty. In our justice system a criminal defendant has the constitutional presumption of innocence. That means that the prosecution has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecution fails in that burden, then the defendant is entitled to a verdict of not guilty.
If you just plead guilty without fighting the charges, one thing is certain; you will be convicted as charged. On the other hand, if you fight the charges, and force the prosecution to meet its burden and prove the charges against you are true, then you may be acquitted.
You are entitled to a jury trial. You are entitled to have the prosecution prove its case against you. Many times they cannot do that. Many times they make mistakes, the officers shade the truth, witnesses are bad, evidence is lost or not properly presented. Many times we can make motions in court to limit the admissibility of the prosecution's evidence, limiting what they can use against you. There are many, many opportunities to fight and win a DUI case. Our firm accepts clients that want to fight the case and try to win.
Do I need to hire a DUI lawyer?
Choosing the right Arizona DUI lawyer is one of the most important decisions you can make at this time. You need to choose a lawyer who is experienced with DUI defense. While a general practitioner may have some criminal defense experience, they cannot possibly know even the basics of Arizona DUI defense. If they do not actively practice DUI defense, then they cannot keep up with the law changes, the scientific issues, maintain the current manuals for the Police Agencies, Arizona police departments, Breath Machines, and of course they will not be continually updating their skills at Arizona DUI defense.
We are a criminal defense firm, devoting the majority of our practice to the defense of people arrested for DUI. We spend considerable resources keeping up to date on the latest DUI issues, attending seminars, sharpening skills, mastering the details, keeping abreast of the changes in the law.
You need a law firm that has a reputation for taking cases to trial. It does not do you much good to obtain a lawyer, only to plead to a DUI after the first couple of appearances.
If you have been charged with a DUI anywhere in Arizona, call Vladimir Gagic at 602-855-6274 toll free or 602-955-1985 or contact him online.
