As a Boston DUI attorney, clients often ask the question, should I take my OUI charge to trial. For many people, there is generally little down side to proceeding with trial. This is particularly true on a first offense. In most cases, after a trial, a judge will impose virtually the same disposition as is offered pursuant to a plea agreement. If a defendant accepts a plea on a first offense Massachusetts OUI charge, the defendant generally receives what is known as a CWOF or continuance without a finding with the condition that the motorist complete the 24D Alcohol Education Program. After trial, most judges will typically impose basically the same disposition.

Given that most judges will not penalize a motorist for proceeding to trial on first offense OUI, for many, it is in their best interest to proceed to trial. While most people charged with a first offense OUI at fearful of going to trial, a drunk driving trial is the most common type of trial in the district court. If the trial is a bench trial, it may last only a few hours; jury trials typically take up an entire day and may go as long as one day and a half or as short as a half day trial, depending on the number of witnesses involved. Boston DUI Attorney Michael DelSignore will gladly discuss with you the trial process, to help you understand what will occur, alleviate your anxieties and resolve any confusion you have regarding the court process. You can reach Attorney DelSignore by cell phone any time at (617) 694-6287.