What happends if I plead no guilty

[luckygirlangel]

What is the name of your state? WI
I go to court on Tuesday for a first offense OWI. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what will happen if I plead not guilty? Cuz I liked to make a plea agreement with the DA. I've realized that there isn't much hope of getting out of it so I would at least like to try getting it reduced down.

Originally Posted by luckygirlangel

What is the name of your state? WI
I go to court on Tuesday for a first offense OWI. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what will happen if I plead not guilty? Cuz I liked to make a plea agreement with the DA. I've realized that there isn't much hope of getting out of it so I would at least like to try getting it reduced down.

If you plead not guilty, you have a trial by jury or judge (your choice).



Standard answer

Here are some hints on appearing in court:

Dress professionally in clean clothes.

Do not wear message shirts.

Don't chew gum, smoke, or eat.

Bathe and wash your hair.

Go to court beforehand some day before you actually have to go to watch how things go.

Speak politely and deferentially. If you argue or dispute something, do it professionally and without emotion.

Ask the court clerk who you talk to about a diversion (meaning you want to plead to a different, lesser charge), if applicable in your situation.


Here are five stories that criminal court judges hear the most (and I suggest you do not use them or variations of them):

1. I’ve been saved! (This is not religion specific; folks from all kinds of religious backgrounds use this one.)

2. My girlfriend/mother/sister/daughter is pregnant/sick/dying/dead/crippled and needs my help.

3. I’ve got a job in [name a state five hundred miles away].

4. This is the first time I ever did this.

5. You’ve got the wrong guy. (A variation of this one is the phantom defendant story: “It wasn’t me driving, it was a hitchhiker I picked up. He wrecked the car, drug me behind the wheel then took off.”)

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Other people may give you other advice; stand by.

[idaone]

I personally would plead not guilty at your arraignment. Your case will be set for trial call in which time you may find out what the DA is willing to offer. They cant offer less than the minimums your state allows. If the deal is acceptable you then file for a change of plea. I wouldnt plead guilty until you know what they will offer in exchange for your plea. Keep in mind an attorney usually has the insight and ability to negotiate the mandatory minimums expecially if your first offense. Additionally if your state requires a alcohol assessment and treatment it is in your best interest to complete this or be enrolled before sentencing. It portrays you in a better light. Good luck.

Why pay an attorney $2500 when shes going to get the minimum anyway?If she pleads,let some other sucker pay his mercedes payment.Just ask the DA ****s what theyll offer and take it or plead your case to a judge with a parasite attorney.Dwis can be beaten but its rare and costs at least half a mercedes.