You just pled guilty to DUI! With an attorney even! What went wrong? Truth be told, even the most competent, hard working, experienced DUI defense attorneys don't have every case dismissed or amended from DUI to a less severe offense. In fact, we (DUI attorneys) all have clients who end up being convicted of DUI. It's a simple, honest truth. However, if this happens to you be prepared as fighting the DUI charge is only one thing an attorney can help you with.
Today in court a client of mine pled guilty to DUI. I felt terrible for him but it happens. We fought the case hard and lost a motion in court that another Judge may have found in our favor. Angry, yes! However, it does happen and when it does it must be remembered that the case is not yet over. In court we faced another problem, my client had a prior DUI (Deferred Prosecution more than 7 years ago) and the prosecution was out for blood. Although my client was facing a mandatory minimum of only 1 day in jail the PA wanted (initially) 45 days in jail. Honestly, I was worried that the Judge may give my client a fair bit of jail. Hence, what we did was prepare! My client went into the plea having done his alcohol evaluation and having started the recommended program. We provided proof of the installation of the ignition interlock device. Most important we told the Judge the story of my client, his family troubles, about his love for his kids, and what steps he has taken to improve his life and maintain sobriety. Essentially we turned my client from a DUI defendant into a person.
The Judge listened and followed our recomendation and not the prosecuting attorneys. In summary, we didn't win this case but my client wasn't taken advantage of either.
For information on your Washington State DUI please contact our Snohomish County DUI attorneys, King County DUI attorneys, Island County DUI attorneys, or Skagit County DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com
The New Busy is not the too busy. Combine all your e-mail accounts with Hotmail. Get busy.
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