When it comes to the judicial system, nearly any outcome is possible, so even if you were caught red-handed and slapped with a DUI, you have the potential to get charges reduced or even dropped altogether. That said, it is not something you can depend on, especially if there is overwhelming evidence against you or the laws in your state pertaining to DUI are particularly strict. In some cases it is extremely unlikely that you will be able to secure a reduction in charges, much less get them dropped. And yet, there are certainly steps you can take to increase your chances of avoiding conviction, keeping a DUI off your permanent record, or seeking reduced charges. Here are just a few tips that could help to ensure that one stupid mistake doesn’t stay with you for the rest of your life.
The first thing to do is retain a lawyer that has a good track record of fighting DUI charges. Such professionals are likely to be much better versed in the letter of the law than you and as such, they are more likely to successfully dispute or discredit the evidence against you or find ways to get the charges reduced or dropped. You will, of course, have to pay a pretty penny for a DUI lawyer. But if it means keeping a DUI conviction off your record it may be well worth the cost. Considering that you could also end up facing fines or even jail time for this type of conviction, depending on your past record and the state you live in, just for example, there could be even greater benefits to hiring a lawyer to beat the charges.
But you may be interested to know just how you will go about fighting the charges against you. The trouble is that each case is unique, so there is no quick-fix solution. In some cases you can get charges reduced or dropped by agreeing to certain types of sentencing, such as taking traffic school and/or attending rehabilitation. You may be offered a deal if you agree to plead to a lesser offense, pay fines, and submit to community service or probation. Such compromises are generally offered to those who have no past offenses and you might want to take them as a way to avoid paying a ton for legal services with no guarantee of getting the charges dropped.
Of course, you could also choose to skip the plea deal and fight your charges outright if you feel that you have a strong chance of winning. Since you are innocent until proven guilty, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving while under the influence. Many field sobriety tests are not 100% reliable and accurate, which means you can challenge them in court. In some cases, symptoms that point to being under the influence could also indicate fatigue, for example. In addition, certain conditions could make tests inconclusive. Those who are overweight, for example, may not be able to walk a line as easily as a person who is fit. And the breathalyzer may be compromised due to smoking or foods you have eaten. So before you agree to attend alcohol addiction treatment, talk to a lawyer about your chances of beating a DUI or at least getting it reduced. It could definitely be a legal battle worth fighting.