While North Carolina DWI laws are tough, judicial discretion can sometimes help with penalties. So here are some things that can help you when in front of a judge.
Judicial Discretion During DWI Sentencing
Because of the presumption of innocence, we start every case with this perspective. However, once we review all the evidence, we will sit down and review your options. After we answer your questions, we then make recommendations on how to proceed. Since you know what is best for your situation, you make all important decisions about your case. And once you decide to plead guilty or go to trial, we make it happen.
So if your choice is to plead guilty, we then get you ready to appear before a judge. Consequently, we go over the best ways to make it easier on you. Because there is both community service and substance abuse counseling, we encourage you to do what you can now. For example, complete a substance abuse assessment and all required hours before your plea date. As a result, you have fewer things to do afterwards. After all, the court only gives you 60-90 days and substance abuse and community service can be a lot. Furthermore, it shows the judge you are serious and understand the seriousness of a DWI. Furthermore, this often helps to get favorable judicial discretion during sentencing.
So Don’t Be Afraid to Apologize
While most people prefer to remain silent in court, an apology to the court can be very helpful. Hence I don’t understand why more Charlotte DWI attorneys don’t use this approach. Since it is right to accept responsibility, an apology to the court is almost always a pleasant surprise. As a result, judges tend to react favorably and exercise their judicial discretion in your favor. For example, I have had cases where a level 4 punishment became a level 5. So long as the apology is real, it is certainly worth your time and effort. In addition, it will help you to close out this bad chapter in your life.