If you have been arrested for and charged with a DUI, you want to make sure that you have the best possible chance of a favorable outcome when you go to trial. This is true whether you are guilty or not guilty of the charge, and whether you plan to plead guilty or not guilty at trial. While you should hire a lawyer to be by your side and guide you through the process, here is what you need to know in both situations:

If You're Guilty of the DUI and Will Be Pleading Such…

First off, it takes a lot to own up to the situation and take responsibility for what you did. However, this shows that you are ready to take control of your addiction issues and get your life on the right track. With that being said, you will want to agree to go into counseling and/or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

An attorney in your local area will be familiar with DUI counseling programs and can help you find out that is right for you and assist you in getting enrolled into one. Just remember that you must remain committed to the entire program. Otherwise, the charges will likely come back into play.

If You're Not Guilty of the DUI and Will Be Pleading Such…

You will want to begin forming a strong defense as early as possible. This includes getting your hands on as much as evidence as possible, including the video of your field sobriety tests that the police have. You will usually need to send a request in writing to receive this. An attorney can help with this as well as the rest of your case, including forming a strong trial strategy.

If your DUI charge stems from an accident that did not include a fatality, it may be wise to work with an accident reconstruction expert to determine who was at fault for the accident. In some cases, when someone was drinking and there was not a fatality in an accident, police simply assume the drunken driver was at-fault and do not conduct accident reconstruction. Therefore, this type of information could prove to be very valuable to your defense strategy at trial.

The sooner you actually begin working on your case, the better the chances are that you can improve your overall situation. It is always advisable to consult with a local and experienced DUI attorney who has experience with your local jurisdiction. He or she will be able to offer specific guidance for your trial defense that you may not be familiar with.