Your DUI Trial Rights

Nobody wants to be charged with a crime. But everyday people find themselves under the thumb of the government, trying to wriggle out with as little pain being experienced as possible. As a Seattle DUI attorney, I see this all the time. And sometimes, the only way to show the government you mean business is by exercising your trial rights. Because of that, I thought I'd discuss them today.

The Right to an Attorney

You have several rights when you go to trial, the first, and probably most important, is the right to have an attorney present to help you through the process. As we all know, however, a Seattle DUI attorney can be an expensive item to obtain, and some people simply don't have the money to get one. But have no fear. The system guarantees everyone a lawyer. That means if you can't afford one, one will be appointed to you.

Right to a Jury Trial

Second, you have the right to a jury trial. Almost all of us know what that is. Six of twelve of your closest friends (or inhabitants of your county) called upon as neutral decision makers in your case. You can waive a jury trial if you want, but often convincing your peers of your innocence is much easier than a judge. Judges tend to become a little sour over time, as they hear the same things time and time again. Juries usually aren't like that.

Right to Confrontation

Next comes the right to confront your accusers, known, as the definition suggests, as the confrontation clause. People can't just make blind accusations against you and then ride off into the darkness. You have the right to make them face you in court, tell their story, and then attack it using cross-examination. This is one of the most important trial rights we have.

Right to Call Witnesses

Last, but certainly not least, is the right to call your own witnesses and/or testify on your own behalf. And, on the other side of the coin, to call no witness and not testify on your own behalf and not have that used against you. The prosecution has the burden of proving the case against you. You don't have to prove your innocence. Often this means showing the jury the prosecutor simply can't prove their case.

If you find yourself behind the eight ball facing criminal charges, don't panic. Get a criminal defense attorney you feel comfortable with and let them help you through the process. They'll make sure to utilize these rights to maximize their effectiveness on your case.