Many local news stations around the country like to report on recent arrests, put a mugshot up on the screen and relay the details of the incident like it is a “done deal.” Local law enforcement and prosecutors probably appreciate that quite a bit. However, the reality is that an arrest is not the same as a conviction. In some situations, in fact, the case doesn’t even end in a conviction.
When someone is arrested for DUI in Tennessee, they may feel like their case is a “done deal” too. But, there are many ways in which defendants might find paths to “poke holes” in the prosecution’s case. Of course, every defendant should consider all options that might be right for their own unique circumstances. But ruling out the possibility of taking the case all the way to trial shouldn’t be a determination that is made right after an arrest.
How will your case proceed?
In some situations, criminal cases are dismissed outright – for lack of evidence or constitutional violations, for example. Under other circumstances, a plea agreement might be the best way to resolve the criminal case. And in others, taking the case to a bench trial or jury trial may be the best option for a defendant to get a positive outcome from a bad situation.
At our law firm, we understand that “innocent until proven guilty” should still mean something in Tennessee. The burden is on the prosecution to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt – and that is a burden that should not be taken lightly. If you are facing DUI charges in Tennessee, you may have more options than you think. For more information about how we attempt to help defendants in criminal cases, please visit the DUI overview section of our law firm’s website.