I got in some legal trouble and I will be asked by the judge to say something when I plead guilty, need advice

Question

What should I say to the judge? Are there any "hot buttons" or anything that could help to reduce my sentance? It is for a DUI. Does anyone have a lot of experience with DUI cases and what to say to judges when asked "Do you have anything to say to the court?"

It really was a dumb mistake. I have not driven drunk since I was a teenager. Does any of that matter to the judge? Thanks.

Man, I was really hoping to get someone with knowledge in this. Has anyone actually dealt with judges or been actively involved in the legal system to know what judges look for??

I have a lawyer. Like most lawyers he spends about 5 mins at a time with his clients. He has little time for helping me create speeches.

Thank you for the advice, all. But, please save the parental type speeches. I really just want someone who is experienced in this field. Thank you.

Answer 1

Nobody knows what a judge wants to hear more than an attorney. Except maybe another judge. I would talk to an attorney to find out the best things to say, what to bring up, what to leave out. For $17 month(in my state) you can call up an attorney asnd ask that question and find out. Lots more benefits too, to much to talk about here. Worth checking out, no long term contract, its month to month. I have had this service for almost 2 years and wouldn't be without it. You don't know how often you really could use an attorney's advice until you take the cost out of it. For $17 a month it isn't free but it is cheap. I LOVE it.

Answer 2

Getting good advice from these folks. Listen to them. Admit your mistake, be polite, brief and to the point. Don't make empty promises about never doing it again -- the judge has heard it too many times before. Don't bother with the: "I have not driven drunk since I was a teenager." routine either -- it will come across as a weasly excuse and won't be believed anyway. Oh, short hair (if possible), dress well, clean nails, no gum, no hat, no sunglasses, shined shoes (NOT sneakers!!) -- obvious stuff like that, of course.

Answer 3

Tell them that it was a one-time mistake, and that it's something that you will never do again. Offer to do community service. It's your first offense, and your driver's license will be suspended. You need to get that taken care of, FAST.

Explain to them that you have a job, or that you're a student who wants to build a life for a family in the future. Convey to them that you understand that you could have hurt someone on the road, and that it would kill you if someone you loved got hit by a drunk driver, therefore you understand the importance of not being the person behind the wheel drinking.

Don't do it again, though, because the second time, you'll go to jail.

Answer 4

If you're asked what to say, the judge wants to see and hear how you feel about what you did. Own up to it. Tell the judge that you made a stupid mistake and that you're sorry that you put your life and the lives of others at risk. Let him know that you take full responsibility for your actions and you will accept the consequences. DON'T say "I'll never do it again." Judges don't want to hear that. Will it get you a reduction on your sentence? That depends on the laws of your state and how much discretion the judge has. Don't expect much sympathy, and don't be a wimp -- stand up tall and say "Yes, I broke the law, I knew what I was doing was wrong, I apologize, and now I'm ready to get what's coming to me for my stupidity." Good luck!

Answer 5

well i do have experience in this area my advice is no bad attitude please judges hate drunk drivers espically with an attitude always say yes'(mam or sir) no (mam or sir) let them know you have learned from you mistake your very sorry you know that some inniocent peson could have gotten hurt or even worse killed that you want the courtto know very sorry and if you were to ever be in that situation again under no sircumstances would you ever get in an automobile again while under the influance sometimes they will offer you a plea bargin befour you go to trail if there were other charges the might ask u to plead guilty to them an reduce ur dui to reckles driving(which cost more points against your license and no work permit is allowew in georgia) but its kinda hard to say not knowing ur criminal history,what state your in,your age and any other factors that might be involved

Answer 6

I haven't had any experience in that situation, but I think what the judge is looking to hear is that you accept responsibility for doing something wrong and that you've learned from your mistake. Don't minimize the situation because that makes it sound like you didn't do anything wrong and if you hadn't you wouldn't be convicted of the crime. I think in situations like that being humble and honest pays off.

Answer 7

show no remorse... stand defiant... ask where the nearest bar is to the courthouse, and if all else fails, cry a lot and talk about how you cant go to prison cause you are afraid of being gang raped... and the key to this whole strategy is you have to show up in clothes you've worn for 3 days totally blitzed out of your mind. Ideally you want to be about 15 minutes "fashionably late" for court proceedings!

Answer 8

dress like you are going for a job interview. look at the judge, make eye contact. if this was a wake up call for you, say so. if you attended any aa meetings or other educational lectures regarding drinking and driving, say so, and how it was important to you. DO NOT MAKE EXCUSES. be honest. thank the judge and court for their time, only if you can be sincere. good luck and get your act together.

Answer 9

Yh criminal eating age and the quantity of alcohol consumed is going to err or disease your utilizing capacity. they might probable ask you to do community provider as a repayment or income different words you may help the community out one way or the different. 0.08 blood alcohol count selection is going to be submitted as evidence and nicely its no longer straightforward while the percentages are stacked against you. in certainty no longer what concerns however the alcohol count selection i will drink 5 pegs however the quantity on your blood is what concerns and that relies upon on different components like your length nonetheless it is up to your metabloism in straightforward terms. Your digestive gadget if it ought to excrete what's existent on your blood then you definitely would be large or you have dedicated a regulation in accordance to the federal govt.

Answer 10

Don't know. Judges are, well, judges and you never know. What might impress me would be first, admission of culpability. Second, attendance at AA and willingness to show continued attendance. Not much else. You're trying to weasel out of it and you need to face the music. You need to know I hope he throws the book at you.