If you have been arrested for a DUI in Oklahoma, you should consult an Oklahoma City DUI defense lawyer to determine how you should plead based on your circumstances. A guilty and not guilty plea both have different implications for your case and future. While pleading not guilty is used in many instances, there may be times when entering a not-guilty plea may make more sense.
What it Means to Plead Not Guilty for a DUI Charge in Oklahoma
When you are arrested on a DUI charge, you will attend an arraignment hearing, which is the first step in Oklahoma’s criminal process, where you will stand before a judge and enter your plea. If you plead not guilty to the charges, your case will continue, and you will have the opportunity to defend yourself.
This is oftentimes recommended so you have the chance to fight the charges and mitigate the impact on your life. It allows you to provide evidence that leverages weaknesses in the prosecution’s case or discredits them. Lawyers can also use this time to review evidence, breathalyzer reports, and the procedures law enforcement used when handling your arrest. If there are discrepancies or procedural violations, our attorneys can challenge the evidence against you.
Pleading not guilty can buy you time and result in a better outcome for yourself. Be sure to talk with your lawyer about your options if you choose to go this route, so you know what to expect moving forward.
What it Means to Plead Guilty to a DUI Charge in Oklahoma
If you enter a guilty plea in your DUI case, you are admitting fault and are not disputing the charges against you. This means that a judge will commence with sentencing and resolve your case. While you will not be able to issue a defense, your lawyer can still advocate for you and work to negotiate a lesser punishment so your freedom is preserved as much as possible.
Choosing to plead guilty should be heavily discussed with your Oklahoma City defense lawyer to make sure that this option is in your best interests. There may be times when the evidence against you is conclusive, you have a weak case, or you have been offered a plea bargain. In these situations, fighting the charge may result in harsher penalties than pleading guilty and potentially receiving a lesser sentence.
What to Expect After Entering a Plea in Your Oklahoma DUI Case
What comes next in your case will depend on the plea that you enter. Individuals who plead guilty will proceed to sentencing and serve their punishment, which may include jail, fines, and license restrictions. However, individuals who plead not guilty will proceed to trial. This allows you and your lawyer to gather evidence and build a strong defense against your charges. Your lawyer will review the prosecution’s discovery in the case, hone their arguments, and file motions in response. A lawyer fights to get your charges reduced, dismissed, or fully acquitted.
Talk to a Lawyer About How to Plead in a DUI Case
With your freedom and future at stake after a DUI, consulting a DUI lawyer is essential. A lawyer can discuss the pros and cons of each option with you, as well as its ramifications. Josh Lee & Associates will protect your rights and interests and make sure you are fully informed before any decision is made.
