If you are facing a DUI, one thing your attorney can try to do is to achieve an acquittal. An acquittal is when the case against you is dismissed as a result of the prosecution not having enough evidence to continue pursing charges.
While going through a trial and receiving a “not guilty” ruling would lead to an acquittal of the case, not all acquittals happen as a result of a person being innocent. In many instances, acquittals are used to dismiss cases when there is not enough evidence or when errors took place.
What does an acquittal do for you?
An acquittal releases you from charges that have been brought against you. This can happen before you go to trial or as a result of a not guilty verdict.
The good thing about an acquittal is that it offers you some protection against being charged a second time. In most cases, an acquittal will mean that the prosecution can’t pursue another action against you for the same offense. Essentially, the prosecution has lost the case.
How does an attorney get the acquittal that you want?
To get an acquittal early in the case, your attorney will do a few things. The first is to check on how you were stopped for your DUI. For example, if the traffic stop was not legal, then the case may be dismissed based on that policing error.
Another thing your attorney will do is look into the evidence that was collected. They will be able to make sure that the prosecution has evidence that they claim they have. Sometimes, evidence in cases does get lost. If that happens, then the prosecution won’t have the evidence it needs, which could lead to your case being dismissed.
What will your attorney do if they believe there isn’t enough evidence to try the case?
If your attorney does not believe that there is enough evidence to try the case, then they may file a motion for acquittal. This motion will ask the judge to acquit you of the charges. If the judge agrees, then the case will be dismissed, and you will not face further charges for that specific crime (in most cases).