If you are facing DUI charges in Oklahoma, a skilled DUI attorney can often help to reduce the severity of the charges you face. A DUI attorney in Oklahoma City explains how a DUI attorney can be a valuable asset in seeking reduced charges in Oklahoma.
How Can a DUI Attorney Help Reduce Your Charges in Oklahoma? Answers from a DUI Attorney in Oklahoma City
Evaluating the Strength of the Prosecution’s Case
DUI charges often depend on breathalyzers or field sobriety tests, which are not foolproof methods of determining sobriety. Your lawyer will take a close look at the testing methods that were used, and at whether the person adminstering the test followed the proper proceduces. Any errors or procedural issues could weaken that evidence or lead to its dismissal.
Negotiating with Prosecutors for Lesser Charges
A good DUI attorney will negotiate with the prosecution in hopes of getting you reduced charges or lesser penalties. The prosecuting attorney may be more open to reducing the charges if you attend a rehabilitation program, do community service, or agree to probation. An attorney who has built a professional rapport with local prosecutors may have a good chance of negotiating these options. To find out more, visit this page.
Identifying Violations of Your Rights During Arrest
Law enforcement officers are required to follow certain rules when stopping, testing, and arresting drivers for DUI. If you did not have your Miranda rights read to you, if there was an illegal search of your person or property, or if any of your other rights were violated during the arrest, your attorney can use these violations to weaken the prosecution’s case, sometimes by having evidence dismissed.
Challenging Chemical Test Results
In DUI cases, chemical tests like breath or blood tests can sometimes be inaccurate or unreliable. An attorney can question the calibration of testing devices, the training of the officer who administered the test, and look into any other factors that may have compromised the test’s results, such as medical conditions you may have or improper storage of samples. The goal is to cast reasonable doubt on the validity of your test results.
Presenting Evidence of Responsible Character
In some cases, a DUI attorney can gather character references or evidence that portrays you as a responsible individual who made a single mistake, especially if it’s your first offense. Letters from employers, family members, or community leaders can attest to your character and demonstrate that you are unlikely to re-offend. Your attorney may persuade the judge or prosecutor to consider reduced charges, probation, or alternative sentencing options.
Seeking Alternative Sentencing Options
Alternative sentencing options tend to be more rehabilitative than punitive. Alcohol treatment programs, community service, or probation can allow you to avoid jail time and maintain your work and family obligations. Oklahoma courts often consider alternative sentencing for eligible defendants, especially for first-time offenders.
Guiding You Through Plea Bargaining
Plea bargaining is when your attorney negotiates with the prosecution for you to plead guilty to a lesser offense in exchange for a lighter sentence or reduced charge. Plea bargains are not guaranteed, but you may be able to avoid the harshest DUI penalties and instead face a lesser charge.
If you’re facing DUI charges, consulting an attorney early in the process can be a wise step toward protecting your future.
