Anyone heading to trial for a drunk driving charge may feel anxious and ill-prepared without the help of an established DUI attorney by their side. A DUI lawyer can help you prepare so that you get an idea of what to expect from a West Palm Beach DUI trial. They can help you better understand the burden of proof and what it is you need to do before the first hearing.
What Happens During a West Palm Beach DUI Trial?
What to expect from a West Palm Beach DUI trial is listen to the evidence the prosecution has planned to try proving guilt without reasonable doubt. It is important for the accused to be on their best behavior because, throughout the trial, they will be watched and judged. An attorney can help the individual prepare for their desired presentation of appearing polite, courteous, respectful, and serious. Many use this opportunity to show the judge and the jury that the accused takes their case seriously and respects the court itself.
Arriving At the Courthouse
When someone arrives at the courthouse they should look for their lawyer and not enter the courtroom until the lawyer is present. Part of what to expect from a West Palm Beach DUI trial is the importance of presenting a united front. This means, it can be critical for the defendant and the attorney to enter the courtroom together. The first thing a person should do when they arrive at the courthouse is look for their lawyer and follow the lawyer’s lead from there.
Expectations For the Government’s DUI Presentation
Understanding that the government plays an important role can be critical when preparing for what to expect from a West Palm Beach DUI trial. The government has the burden of proof which means that the government goes first. The government presents this evidence first and then if the defense wants to make a case – they can but do not have to – but the government has the obligation to make its case before it can proceed and make their case and the judge will decide whether or they have made a sufficient case to proceed. If the government does not present the case sufficiently then the case will not proceed but the prosecution goes first.
Understanding the Role of the Prosecution’s Evidence
The kind of evidence that the government presents in DUI cases often includes evidence of impairment or evidence that the person blew over the legal limit. The type of evidence used would be witnesses and witnesses will usually be in the form of law enforcement.
Law enforcement usually has the first contact with the driver being pulled over for DUI and then they would present evidence of testing, whether it be blood testing or breath testing, but it would be mostly law enforcement.
Typically in a DUI case, the prosecution provides a DVD or other type of digital evidence documenting or memorializing what happened. The defense lawyer will likely try to bring out the positive aspects of the government’s case.
