No two DUI cases are ever exactly the same, but oftentimes they can play out somewhat similarly to one another. For your run of the mill first offense DUI without injury, the best and worst case scenarios will likely look similar when comparing two different cases. Below, we take a closer look at your best case scenario, your worst case scenario and a middle ground for your first offense DUI case in Minnesota.
Best Case Scenario
Let’s begin with the best case scenario, which would involve either beating the charges or having them dropped altogether. In this scenario, you will not be found criminally guilty for your actions and will not need to spend any time behind bars or pay a fine associated with a conviction. That said, this scenario won’t just “happen.” You can’t go to court without a plan or simply hope the judge takes pity on you and expect to fall into a best case scenario.
You need to showcase why you are not guilty, or at least create reasonable doubt, and that only happens if you have a plan for how you’ll approach your case and the court system. The single best way to work towards a best case scenario is by hiring a skilled criminal defense attorney who can build a strong defense based on their knowledge of the law and speak to your defense in court. If you’re hoping for a best case scenario, you can greatly increase the odds of this by hiring a DUI lawyer early in the process.
The Worst Case Scenario
Again, we’re working on the assumption that this is a first offense DUI without any aggravating factors. For this type of case, the worst case scenario is being found guilty or pleading guilty/no contest. That’s not to say that you should never plead no contest (more on this later), but pleading guilty and being found guilty will lead you to the same place – waiting for a judge to decide your fate. For a first offense misdemeanor DUI in Minnesota, you can be sentenced to:
- Up to 90 days in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- License revocation for at least 90 days
It’s very unlikely that someone with a minimal criminal record who is found guilty of this type of DUI to receive jail time as part of their sentence, but know that it is on the table. It’s also worth noting that a DUI conviction can have implications for your employment or housing, depending on you situation. It’s rare, but a first offense DUI could send you to jail for 90 days and result in the loss of your job, which again speaks to the importance of coming in with a plan.
The Middle Ground Scenario
Many people find that their case plays out somewhere in the middle of these two bookends. You may be able to display remorse and push for specific sentencing recommendations in the event you are found guilty, which can help keep you out of jail or assist if the conviction would place immense financial strain on your family. You can also work with the prosecution (or have your lawyer do this) to negotiate a plea deal on your behalf if winning your case in court seems unlikely. You may be able to get the DUI charge thrown out by pleading guilty to a reckless driving charge (typically known as a wet reckless), which can keep you out of jail, save you thousands on car insurance and allow you to maintain your employment.
Pleading guilty, no contest or pleading to reduced charges can help you avoid a worst case scenario and have more ownership in how your case plays out, even if it doesn’t help you achieve the best case scenario. Many lawyers excel at avoiding a worst case scenario and finding a solid middle ground when their client has little chance of winning a favorable outcome at trial.
For specific advice as to what you can expect from your court case, or for assistance challenging the charges in court, connect with Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm today at (952) 224-2277.
