Whether you thought you were okay enough to drive a short distance to get home after the bar or you were trying to sleep it off in your car, a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge is something that can flip your life upside down. Understanding how this process works in Texas is essential to prepare yourself for the future, such as whether or not your case will proceed to trial. If you’ve been charged with driving while intoxicated, Houston DWI defense attorneys can help. The following blog explores what you must know.
What Factors Influence Whether or Not My DWI Will Proceed to Trial?
If charged with a DWI, the defining factor of whether or not it will proceed to trial is whether or not you plead guilty. Pleading guilty eliminates the need for a jury trial as you are accepting the charges, admitting you have committed the offense in question.
Pleading not guilty means that you are maintaining your innocence. As such, you will proceed to a trial in which you will try to prove that you are innocent of committing the alleged offense, while the protection will try to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you did commit the offenses.
You should never plead guilty or not guilty without speaking to an attorney, as they can advise you on the best course of action to take. In some instances, you may be able to secure a plea deal, which allows you to plead guilty to lesser charges in exchange for a conviction. Regardless, if the prosecution offers a deal, you must consult a lawyer before accepting anything offers.
Is It Possible to Fight the Charges?
Though it may not seem possible to fight a DWI charge, there are many instances in which you may want to proceed to trial, especially if you know you are innocent. However, if you know the state has insurmountable evidence against you, it may not be worth your time or money to endure a trial.
For example, you may have reason to believe the officer conducting the field sobriety test administered it incorrectly, meaning your results were negatively skewed. Similarly, if you were charged with a DWI for sitting in a parked car, even if the keys were in your pocket as opposed to the ignition you may be able to fight this charge successfully.
When you’re charged with a DWI, understanding when and why this may elevate to trial is essential. If you’re ready to fight the charges against you, the Gonzalez Law Group can help. Our dedicated legal team will examine the details of your case, and we will try to craft the best defense possible. Contact us today to learn how we will fight for the best outcome for your circumstances.