As with all criminal matters, an alleged driving under the influence (DUI) offender has a constitutional right to a jury trial to determine their guilt or innocence. Even for lesser offenses, criminal trials are complex procedures. If the state has charged you with a DUI offense and you want to have your case heard at a trial, you need representation by a skilled DUI defense lawyer who could help you navigate the process.
I am Christopher L. Jones, an attorney who has tried countless criminal cases, both as a prosecutor and as an advocate for criminal defendants. I have the experience needed to challenge prosecutorial overreach and reduce or avoid the worst potential consequences that you may face in Greenville DUI trials. Contact Chris Jones Law today to schedule a consultation and learn more.
A DUI Trial Can Be Conducted With or Without a Jury
By default, your DUI trial in Greenville will be heard by a judge in a bench trial, where the judge evaluates both the facts and the applicable laws. If you prefer that a jury try your case, your defense lawyer could request a jury trial. The jury will then review the facts and evidence to determine whether the prosecution has effectively shown your guilt. Most experienced defense attorneys prefer trying a case before a jury.
A DUI Trial Might Not Happen Until a Year or More After an Arrest
Contrary to how modern media portrays trials, the court will likely schedule a jury trial more than a year after indicting you for a DUI violation. The court might schedule your trial sooner if it will be heard by a judge without a jury. However, the bench trial will still not occur until several months after your indictment.
Before a potential trial, I could carefully evaluate the prosecution’s evidence and the circumstances of your arrest, including:
- Whether the arresting officer had probable cause to initiate the traffic stop that led to your DUI charges
- The officer’s training and the procedures used to administer field sobriety tests
- Body camera video of all interactions between you, the arresting officer, and the technicians who administer blood or urine tests
- The results of all sobriety tests
- The language of the specific DUI charges in the indictment
After evaluating the evidence, I could advise you about possible negotiated pleas as an alternative to a DUI trial. If you decide to take your Greenville DUI case to court, I could help you determine whether to proceed with a bench or a jury trial.
Can the Result of a DUI Trial Be Challenged?
Even when a prosecutor’s case is weak and you have strong defenses, juries can make mistakes and reach a guilty verdict that is contrary to the evidence presented. When your trial for driving under the influence in Greenville ends in a guilty verdict, I could file a motion for a new trial, making it possible to appeal the jury verdict to the Court of Appeals.
Contact a Greenville Attorney To Protect Your Rights in a DUI Trial
Chris Jones Law focuses on protecting the rights of individuals charged with DUI offenses and other crimes. If you need a passionate lawyer experienced in Greenville DUI trials, contact my firm today to discuss how to aggressively challenge the charges you are facing.
