If you’ve been charged with a DUI, you might feel uncertain about what to do next. One of the first decisions you’ll face is how to plead in your case—guilty, no contest, or not guilty. As you consider your options, you’re probably wondering: What happens if I plead not guilty to a DUI? While an experienced DUI attorney can guide you through the process, this article will answer common questions about pleading not guilty and what happens after that choice.
What Are My Plea Options in a DUI Case?
When facing DUI charges, one of the first decisions you’ll make is your plea. A plea is your formal response to the charges against you. It determines how your case will proceed through the legal system, so it’s important to understand what each option means, especially for a DUI case. Here are the three plea options you’ll typically have:
- Guilty: Pleading guilty means you admit to the charges against you and accept the penalties outlined by the court. By entering this plea, you waive your right to a trial and agree to proceed directly to sentencing.
- No contest: A no-contest plea means you don’t admit guilt, but you admit that the State has enough evidence to find you guilty if you went to trial. This plea is similar to guilty in terms of consequences, but it may offer some protection in civil cases.
- Not guilty: Pleading not guilty means you deny the charges and want to fight the case. This plea gives you more time to build a defense, examine the evidence, and consider your options. It doesn’t necessarily mean your case will go to trial—your case could end in a plea deal or dismissal.
You’ll enter your plea at your DUI arraignment, which is usually your first court appearance, and you can change it later. Your attorney will help you decide the best course of action.
What Happens If I Plead Not Guilty to a DUI?
Pleading not guilty at your arraignment means your case will move forward through the legal system. The next steps include gathering evidence, negotiating with the prosecutor, and preparing for trial if necessary. Here’s what you can expect if you plead not guilty.
Your Attorney Will Conduct Discovery
During discovery, both sides gather evidence to support their case. For a DUI, this means your attorney will request and review key pieces of evidence such as:
- Police reports: These detail the officer’s observations, including why you were pulled over, whether you exhibited signs of impairment, and the results of any field sobriety tests.
- Breathalyzer or blood test results: These tests measure your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and are often central to a DUI case. Your attorney will examine how the tests were administered and whether they were accurate.
- Body cam or dash cam footage: Video evidence can reveal how the traffic stop was conducted, how you behaved, and whether the officer followed proper procedures.
Hopefully, your attorney will be able to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. For example, if the traffic stop wasn’t justified or the breathalyzer wasn’t calibrated correctly, this could strengthen your defense.
Your attorney may also file pretrial motions to challenge the case. For example, a motion to suppress evidence could prevent improperly obtained evidence from being used against you, while a motion to dismiss could end the case if the evidence is insufficient.
You’ll Have a Pretrial Conference
A pretrial conference is a meeting between your attorney and the prosecutor to discuss possible resolutions to your case. This is where most DUI cases are settled, often through plea deals. Common plea deals for DUI cases include:
- Deferred sentence: A deferred sentence means you agree to meet specific conditions—usually probation and community service in addition to the required DUI courses—in exchange for avoiding jail time. If you fulfill the requirements, your case will be dismissed and automatically partially expunged.
- Suspended sentence: A suspended sentence typically involves probation instead of jail time. While you’ll still have penalties, this option avoids the harsher consequences of a DUI conviction.
Your plea deal will depend on the strength of the evidence, your criminal history, and the details of your case. For example, first-time DUIs are more likely to get a deferred sentence. Your attorney will work to negotiate the best outcome possible, which could result in reduced charges or penalties.
You May Be Able to Plead Down Your Case
In some cases, your attorney may negotiate to reduce your charges to a lesser offense, like reckless driving. This is called pleading down, and it can help you avoid the harsh consequences of a DUI conviction.
In rare cases, your attorney may even get your DUI dismissed entirely. This usually happens when there are serious problems with the prosecution’s evidence, such as:
- The officer didn’t have a valid reason to pull you over.
- The breathalyzer or blood test results were flawed.
- Key evidence, like video footage, is missing or incomplete.
As you can see, there are a lot of options when it comes to what happens if you plead not guilty to a DUI in Oklahoma. That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced attorney on your side.
Should I Plead Not Guilty?
It’s usually best to plead not guilty at your arraignment. This allows your attorney to review the evidence, explore weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and negotiate a better outcome.
Pleading guilty at your first court appearance rarely benefits you. Prosecutors often offer better deals later, once your attorney has had time to gather evidence and build a defense. By pleading not guilty, you give yourself more time and flexibility to achieve a favorable resolution.
The Bottom Line
Facing a DUI charge can feel intimidating, but knowing your options can make a big difference in your case. Pleading not guilty gives you time to examine the evidence, negotiate a plea deal, or even fight for a dismissal.
Want more information on the plea process? We can help you navigate every stage of the process, from arraignment to trial, and work toward the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and take the first step toward protecting your future.