Georgia DUI Acquittal

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your DUI case, your attorney may feel that you are likely to receive an acquittal and that this is a better solution than pleading guilty to a lesser charge such as reckless driving. For those arrested for DUI, an acquittal is the goal that you and your attorney will have in mind when strategizing your defense. This is considered a best-case scenario because not only will you avoid DUI conviction, but the prosecution (under constitutional law) cannot appeal the court’s decision!

An acquittal typically occurs in criminal cases when the prosecution fails to prove to the jury beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty. This is most likely going to happen when there is insufficient evidence. An acquittal can be determined by a judge even before a case goes to trial if he or she believes that there is not enough evidence to yield a conviction by a jury trial.

It depends on the facts surrounding your case whether or not an acquittal is likely to be ruled by a judge or a jury. However, acquittals are usually determined by jury trials simply because the prosecution has the tougher job of proving to each juror that a defendant is guilty. If you receive an acquittal by a jury trial, this usually is seen in the eyes of the court system as carrying more weight. This is the case because a judge may rule a decision based on a technical legality issue while a jury’s reasoning is usually very clear. A judge’s ruling may even be considered a dismissal of the case or a mistrial.

While receiving an acquittal is the best-case scenario, it does not always mean you are free to go on your merry way. There are some cases where the defense decides to plead insanity to avoid conviction, and therefore the court rules that it is in the best interest of the defendant to receive rehabilitation under a state-controlled environment.

Again, this is a defense strategy that you and your attorney will ultimately discuss. If your attorney feels that the prosecution’s evidence against you is weak at best, this may be your best option.

For more information about a DUI acquittal, contact attorney Evan Watson.