Piscataway DUI Trials

A plea deal may not always be an option in a DUI case. Sometimes, your lawyer may recommend going to trial in order to have more chances of achieving a fair outcome.

Piscataway DUI trials are complicated processes with multiple nuances. A seasoned DUI attorney can help you navigate the court proceedings and avoid serious mistakes.

If your case is going to trial, it is normal to feel overwhelmed. You must trust your attorney to provide valuable guidance and build a strong defense.

Reasons Why DUI Cases Go to Trial

Many people mistakenly believe that a DUI charge will end with a license suspension and a few alcohol awareness classes. In reality, these charges often lead to serious convictions. In some situations, the case may even proceed to trial.

Common reasons why this happens include:

• Severe Penalties at Stake: Some DUI charges carry harsh consequences, including jail time and heavy fines. In these situations, going to trial may offer a better chance of reducing penalties or even avoiding a conviction
• Prior Offenses: If you have previous DUI convictions, prosecutors may push for stricter punishment. Your lawyer may recommend going a trial to achieve a better outcome
• Conflicting Testimony: When police reports, witness statements, or expert opinions conflict, credibility may need to be evaluated by the judge

If your attorney believes the prosecution lacks enough evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, going to a DWI trial in Piscataway may give you a real chance at full acquittal. However, this goes both ways. If the prosecution believes it has the best chance of convicting you by going to trial, they may also refuse to offer a deal.

The DUI Trial Process

In the majority of cases, DUI trials in Piscataway are short. They last one to two business days. The process includes several stages:

Opening Statements

Each side delivers opening statements in front of the judge. In New Jersey, defendants charged with a DWI do not have a right to a jury trial.

The prosecution outlines the charges and evidence it plans to use to prove guilt, while the defense provides a preview of its strategy.

Presentation of Evidence

The prosecution presents its case first by demonstrating such evidence as:

• Police testimony
• Breathalyzer or blood test results
• Field sobriety test observations

After that, your attorney has the opportunity to challenge this evidence through cross-examination. They may also call witnesses or experts to support your defense.

Closing Arguments

After the evidence presentation, both sides make closing arguments. The prosecution attempts to reinforce its case, while the defense highlights its weaknesses.

Verdict

After all the arguments, the judge takes the time to review the case. Their goal is to decide whether the prosecution has proven guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. After deliberations, the judge declares a verdict of guilty or not guilty.

Discuss the DUI Trial Process with a Skilled Attorney in Piscataway

DUI cases do not always go to trial. In the majority of the situations, they end with a plea deal. However, if the deal is not a possibility, your attorney may prefer to argue the case in front of the judge.

At the Law Office of Jennifer Marshall, we have significant experience helping clients achieve favorable results in Piscataway DUI trials.

Contact us today.