Q: What happens at a bench trial for a DUI? Am I risking harsher punishments by not working out a plea deal?
Have an attorney who waived my arraignment and put me directly on a bench trial without knowing my BAC or anything else about my case. Other attorneys in the area are telling me this is not normal.
A:
There may be some reason that your lawyer is opting for a bench trial. A bench trial is a trial where the Judge decides guilt or innocence, and there is no jury. Normally you would be better off with a jury trial. Working out a plea in the case would usually lead to a better sentence than the one you would get if you lose at trial, but not always. Often the point of a plea bargain is to get a reduced charge or a reduced sentence from what you might get if you went to trial.
If you have not waived your right to a jury trial, then you have the right to a jury trial if you'd like one. You really should be having these conversations with your attorney. I urge you to speak to your attorney about these matters.
For more info, visit my website at www.LevinLawyerGa.com
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