QUESTION
Should I plead guilty or not guilty for my first offense for a DUI?
Asked on Oct 02nd, 2012 on DUI/DWI - Utah
More details to this question:
I recently got charged with a DUI. I can't afford a lawyer so I am representing myself. I am clearly guilty, but I still am not sure whether I should plead guilty or not. I keep being told I should plead not guilty, but I'm confused on what a public defender could do when I am clearly guilty. I was caught driving and I blew .167 and spent 12 hours in jail already. I also have two previous alcohol tickets.
2 ANSWERS
1 Award
A public defender may be able to negotiate for you a better plea deal. Also, a public defender will make sure that your constitutional rights are being upheld in court. There also may be ways of getting evidence suppressed, stuff a layperson would never know, which increases your chances of getting a better plea offer.
Answered on Oct 03rd, 2012 at 4:38 PM
As a general rule, you should always start with a not-guilty plea. You can always change that plea to guilty later, and you might as well at least bargain and see what you can get in exchange for doing so (e.g. reduced charges, recommendation from prosecutor for reduced jail time/fines etc).
Answered on Oct 03rd, 2012 at 4:38 PM