I got a DUI last week. It is my first and only offense, I've never even got a ticket for any traffic violation before. I know I've made a mistake and very sorry about it. What should I expect at my court hearing? Is there anything that can help me? I am ready to plead guilty and bear the consequences for I did wrong. But is there anything that can soften the sentence? I have been in an abusive relationship, going through a bitter divorce and have a lot of financial problems stemming from my marriage. I know it is not an excuse and most likely would not make any difference in judge's ruling but should I bring it up? Would the note from my mental health professional or any evidence from my friends help? I have no close family and no money for an attorney so I would highly appreciate any piece of advice you can give me.
Please, do not be judgmental, I know I did wrong.
Thank you.
2007-06-07 12:03:54 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
I live in Alabama
2007-06-07 12:38:30 · update #1
Each State is different. What State please?
2007-06-07 12:06:42 · answer #1 · answered by Ken C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to mitigate your circumstances, you probably should hire an experienced attorney to handle your case. In the long run, it may be worth the money.They will most likely reccommend that you attend a substance or alcohol abuse treatment/class. That is something that you may be able to seek out on your own, and the sooner you do it the better. A lot of this will also hinge on whether or not you submitted to a chemical analysis and what the results were. If your results were high like in the teens or twenties, you probably want to consider an attorney. I'm not sure what the laws governing drunk driving offenses in AL are, but you might want to do a little research on your own. If it comes down to it, you could plea guilty. Sometimes it even helps if you talk to someone in the District Attorney's office at your county court house. They may be able to shed a little light on what you may be facing.
2007-06-13 23:46:46 · answer #2 · answered by Miss Guided 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In Florida:
You'll probably get 6 months probation, $350 fine, have to go to DUI school, suspended license for 6 months. You have to go to the DMV to apply for a work permit during the period of your probation. You'll have court costs of $180, $20 State Attorney fee. There's a couple of other small, mandatory fees. Dress nice, be polite, say "yes, sir," and "no, sir," and whatever you do, don't whine and carry on. Just answer the questions. The judge is going to tell you what the maximum sentence is - don't freak out and pass out - that doesn't mean that's what he's going to sentence you to. He or the State Attorney will make you an offer - you plead today, you'll get (what I just listed above).
Nothing personal, long court calendars, long tenure - heard it all before - court personnel can get grouchy with you if you drone on and on.
2007-06-11 12:34:23 · answer #3 · answered by Chris H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a Lawyer.Most Lawyers can get you off the hook.Based on the FST video( field sobriety test).Most Law Enforcement Officers have video camers in their car.Also lawyers can argue that the sobriety test machines were not accurate.The lawyer can check the machines logs.FST Testing Officers must test the machine with pure water not tap water.It has to be pure water with no impurites.Most of the time errors are found by the Lawyer.These facts can be presented to the jury.Most of the time the videos of the FST tests are very good.And before the court date the state might offer you a plea.A DUI is serious in most states it can stay on your record for life.Look at this as a mistake do better in the future.Get a lawyer.
2007-06-07 12:27:27 · answer #4 · answered by Machine308 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that DUI is not a felony but only a misdemeanor.
If you are a first timer, the judge usually just fines you and make
you pay a fine. Don't worry too much about having money
for a lawyer for the court will provide you with a public
defender. As to your current problem, drinking is not a
solution, it will only make the matter worse. Better is that
you concentrate on your job or whatever undertaking you
are engage at present to straighten your life.
2007-06-15 05:22:52 · answer #5 · answered by Orlando M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not get a note from a mental health professional or get evidence from your friends. Though your situation is unfortunate, it would appear that you are trying to get pity or blame your mistake on your personal problems. This will not sit well with a judge. When my bf got arrested for possesion, he went to outpatient rehab and AA meetings. If you started getting treatment on your own (even if you just made one mistake and are not an alcoholic), the judge will like this and let you off easier. Thank goodness you just got a DUI and weren't in a horrible accident. You'll probably get probation. Good luck.
2007-06-07 12:09:21 · answer #6 · answered by Surf Forever 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The judge will not want to hear your story, and probably won't even ask you questions. Just show up for your court date on time, dress presentable, and plead guilty/no contest. You'll be fined, have your license restricted, and will have mandatory community service, DUI and AA classes.
For a 1st offense, the judge won't be too harsh with you. Spending money on a lawyer is not worth it, especially since the fines for a DUI are steep! Best of luck!!
2007-06-07 12:13:47 · answer #7 · answered by eileezy2002 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You might think that a lawyer is too much, but if you dont have one you will pay more. Both My sister and my brother got one the same week same road same cop and everything. They used the same lawyer. My brother got it bad but my sister is very shy and looked really sorry about what she did, and I think that is what got her a smaller fine and hardly any community service. Go to DUI school ASAP. It looks good. THIS IS A MUST! The court date could take months.
2007-06-13 15:31:37 · answer #8 · answered by Tiffany O 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm waiting to go to court for my DUI first offense in VA. So I know what you are going through. Whether you have a lawyer or not, basically you are looking at fines, suspended license and asap classes. I hired one because in VA I'm looking at up to a year in jail. But you never know. Anything can happen in a court of law.
2007-06-09 08:26:26 · answer #9 · answered by whithuose 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Judges like remorseful and responsible people. If you go in with a lot of excuses, the sentence will be harsher. Answer his questions exactly and to the point, do not ramble on and on about why you are the way you are. Say 'Yes Sir" and "No Sir" and let your lawyer do the rest.
2007-06-15 10:10:03 · answer #10 · answered by kajun 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone makes mistakes, its what you do next that matters. Knock it off with the drinking and driving, put it behind you buy GET AN ATTORNEY FOR SURE. They know the laws in your state and will save you a ton of money if nothing else. Good Luck
2007-06-07 12:25:38 · answer #11 · answered by Dan the man 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋