Should You Take Your DWUI Case to Trial?

The consequences of a DWUI conviction can be severe. You face losing your driver’s license, hefty fines, and possible jail time. But if you have strong defenses, taking your DWUI case to trial might be a better bet.

Deciding whether to take your DWUI case to trial can be difficult. Before entering a guilty plea, you should obtain legal representation and consult with our team to weigh the pros and cons of accepting a guilty plea versus going to trial. If you decide to go to trial, a judge or jury will evaluate the evidence and determine the outcome of your case. In some cases, you may be better off accepting a plea deal; but in others, taking your case to trial could be beneficial. The legal team at Just Criminal Law will help you evaluate your options.

What Is a Guilty Plea in a DWUI Case?

In many DWUI cases, a prosecutor will accept a guilty plea instead of taking the case to trial. In most plea bargains, the defendant receives some sort of concession from the prosecutor in exchange for the guilty plea. For example, the prosecutor might agree to accept a guilty plea to a lesser charge, or will recommend less severe penalties, such as no jail time or a lighter fine.

Before agreeing to a guilty plea, you should evaluate your alternatives and, to the extent possible, understand the consequences of your choice.

Challenging the Evidence in a Wyoming DWUI Case

If you were charged with a Wyoming DWUI, the prosecutor will likely present the following evidence to try to prove you guilty:

• Results of the Field Sobriety Tests
• Breathalyzer evidence to establish your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
• Testimony from the officer who arrested you

The prosecutor will use this evidence to try to prove that you were legally intoxicated. Based on the results of these tests, it might be best to negotiate a plea bargain and enter a guilty plea.

But by challenging whether some or all of this evidence is admissible, your lawyer might be able to negotiate a favorable plea bargain or even have your case dismissed.

Benefits of a Guilty Plea

Sometimes the best decision is to enter a guilty plea in a DWUI case. You should consider entering a guilty plea if:

• Your lawyer has negotiated the best deal possible and it avoids some of the most severe punishments for a DWUI
• The result will be the same if you accept a guilty plea or take your case to trial
• If you are found guilty at trial, the punishment will be worse than what was offered in the guilty plea

Some benefits can be gained from entering a guilty plea in a DWUI case. Benefits of a guilty plea may include:

• Quicker resolution. By pleading guilty, you will not have to endure months of uncertainty until your case is scheduled for trial.
• A predictable outcome. You have control over the outcome of your case and will know the punishment you will be facing.
• Avoid the most severe penalties. By pleading guilty, your lawyer can negotiate to avoid some of the most severe punishments of a DWUI conviction.

Drawbacks to a Guilty Plea

Of course, there are some drawbacks to entering a guilty plea.

• If you are innocent, trial may be your only option
• If you plead guilty, you will be convicted and have a criminal record

Deciding Whether to Take Your DWUI Case to Trial

Every DWUI case is different, and deciding whether to take your case to trial or enter a guilty plea will depend on your unique circumstances. But if you genuinely believe you were wrongfully accused, a trial is often the only way to prove you were not guilty.

You might want to take your DWUI case to trial if:

• You were not intoxicated
• You were stopped without probable cause
• The breathalyzer test results are inaccurate
• The police officer violated your constitutional rights
• The breathalyzer testing machine was not properly calibrated
• The Field Sobriety Tests were not conducted according to national standards

Just Criminal Law Protects Your One Shot at Justice

Many prosecutors want to avoid going to trial. But they are unwilling to hand out lenient plea deals without good reason.

To negotiate a favorable plea deal and avoid going to trial, you need a criminal defense team that knows how to negotiate for a better deal.

Founded by former prosecutor Christina L. Williams, the legal defense team at Just Criminal Law will independently evaluate your case, challenge the evidence, and help you decide whether to take your case to trial or enter a guilty plea.

To learn more, contact us today to schedule your personalized case review and strategy session.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article is offered for educational purposes only. This information is not offered as legal advice. A person accused of a crime should always consult with an attorney before making decisions that have legal consequences.