How Do DUI Cases End in Marietta? Find Out Three Potential Outcomes in Your Marietta DUI Case and Where to Get Legal Help Now

For virtually all Marietta drivers, getting charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges can be overwhelming, especially if it is your first encounter with the Georgia criminal justice system. There is no question that Georgia law treats DUI offenses seriously, and a DUI conviction can result in serious consequences that can affect your driver’s license, employment, finances, and even your freedom. Understanding how DUI cases typically end in Marietta can help you prepare for what potentially lies ahead in your case and make informed decisions. While every Marietta DUI case is unique, most DUI charges end in one of three common ways: dismissal or reduction, plea deal, or conviction at trial. Each of these paths to resolution has different implications, and knowing your legal options early on is key to protecting your future. Here we discuss the three potential outcomes of a Marietta DUI case, and where to turn for legal help if you are facing DUI charges in Marietta.

Potential Outcome #1: Reduction or Dismissal of Your DUI Charges

The first and (in virtually all cases) most favorable potential outcome in a Marietta DUI case is having the charges reduced or dismissed. This is the best-case scenario for many Marietta DUI defendants, but it is not automatic. A skilled Marietta DUI defense lawyer may be able to challenge the legality of the law officer’s traffic stop, the reliability of field sobriety tests that were taken, or the accuracy of breath or blood alcohol testing. If the police failed to follow proper procedures or violate your rights, the evidence against you may be suppressed. In some cases, this can lead to a complete dismissal of charges. Other times, a DUI charge in Marietta may be reduced to a lesser offense such as reckless driving, especially if it is a first offense and no accident or injury occurred.

Potential Outcome #2: The Plea Bargain

Another possible outcome in a Marietta DUI case is the defendant takes a plea bargain. Many DUI cases in Marietta end this way, particularly if the prosecution has strong evidence to convict the DUI defendant. In a plea deal, the DUI defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest in exchange for a lighter sentence or reduced charges. This can help a Marietta DUI defendant avoid the uncertainty and expense of trial. Plea deals often involve probation, fines, DUI school, community service, and other possible consequences and penalties. While this still results in a DUI conviction, a negotiated plea may minimize jail time and other long-term consequences.

Potential Outcome #3: Conviction

Of course, a DUI case in Marietta may end in the conviction of the DUI defendant. If a Marietta DUI defendant chooses to fight the charges against them and the case goes to trial, typically, a judge or jury will decide the outcome of the case. If the DUI defendant is found guilty, penalties and consequences under Georgia laws can be severe, especially if you have prior DUI offenses, a high blood alcohol concentration, or if there was an accident involved. Accordingly, while some Marietta DUI defendants do successfully fight their DUI charges in court, going to trial is a high-stakes decision that should be made with the guidance of an experienced Marietta DUI defense lawyer.

Getting Legal Help in Marietta – Marietta DUI Defense Lawyer

If you are in the Marietta area and you need legal help fighting the DUI charges against you, contact the experienced Marietta DUI defense lawyers at Arca Law. Contact Arca Law today and speak with a lawyer about your rights and options now.