Criminal defendants will want to do everything they can to avoid conviction and/or reduce the severity of their punishments during their trial proceedings. The same is true for DUI defendants. If you are facing DUI charges, you’ll need to fully understand the facts of your case — and your charges — in order to construct the most appropriate defense strategy given your situation. Part of the process of planning your defense will involve determining the “story” you will present in court.
There are three primary types of stories that involve either confessions or denials. Which of the following stories is right for your situation?
The confession story: In this story, you will actually confess to the crime. Confessing to a crime can come with a lot of advantages — especially if it assists you in negotiating a plea bargain to significantly reduce the severity of your punishments following conviction.
The complete denial story: When you make a complete denial, you are essentially pleading “not guilty” and stating that all of the charges brought against you are false. It may help to have an alibi or witness who can support your denial. For example, maybe you went to a bar with friends, and everyone was drinking except you. The waitress or bartender might have noticed that you were not drinking, and this could serve as your alibi or witness.
The admit and explain story: In this scenario, you will essentially admit to committing a crime, but offer an explanation as to why you committed it. Maybe, for example, you knew you were intoxicated but you needed to escape a situation that was far more dangerous by driving away. Or, maybe you were the only one available to drive a dear friend to the hospital.
Have you decided which kind of story you should present in your criminal defense? Remember: Every DUI case is different and every case requires a unique approach. Be sure to fully understand your legal rights and options before you decide on which defense strategy to employ.