Had my DUI Trial today.

[chewyxrage]

Here's the old thread:

http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3769806#post3769806


I ended up pleading it down to an "Illegal consumption of alchohol by a minor" and got a fine for $2000. The 2 grand was definately a slap putting the total around $7,000 for everything.

The district attourney wasen't offering me any deals except reckless driving (I didn't invest $5,000 just to end up with a wreckless driving charge)

In illinois the wreckless driving charge goes on record as "Driving under the influence of alchohol reduced to reckless driving" So you can see how that wouldn't have been a good deal at all. For my record, and insurance reasons, etc. So I said no to that.

After we started the jury selection process things were going my way. All the jurors were young-ish which is a huge plus around here. My lawyer said it's usually 12 sixty year old ladies which is a bad thing.

Then the expert witness I hired to testify on my behalf showed up and it turns out he knew the district attorney (and the DA knew the expert witness and his reputation which was a big factor here). The DA then decided to accept a new plea bargain.

So it turns out that by spending $7,000 I got a driving under the influence charge reduced to simple underage consumption ticket.

I actually think if I would have let the trial run it's course I would have won. But - I would have had to testify and I really didn't want that. Plus there is always that risk of a crazy jury.

I'll never, ever go through that again. and I've developed a deep hatred for the courthouse, imagine that.

 

[The Wenis]

you got reamed. i never charge more than $1000 for dwi charges. nor does any other lawyer in my area that i am aware of. maybe i should charge more.

do you feel that coming out with a somewhat clean record was worth $7000?

 

[chewyxrage]

you got reamed. i never charge more than $1000 for dwi charges. nor does any other lawyer in my area that i am aware of. maybe i should charge more.

do you feel that coming out with a somewhat clean record was worth $7000?

I didn't say the lawyer the cost $7,000. Everything did. That includes evaluations, classes, re-instatment fees for my license, hiring an expert witness, etc.

The lawyer fees were around $2,500 in total.

When you charge $1,000 what services are you providing your clients? I was at school in an entire different county. My lawyer went to court for me, got me a school driving permit, work permit - researched and prepared my case and took it to trial. You talking $1,000 just to do a plea bargain for them or the whole deal?

And yes I feel it was worth it. DUI turned into a consumption ticket is worth it to me.

 

[Smurfy]

wait, you're a minor?

 

[chewyxrage]

I was 19 when I got the DUI. I'm 20 now.

 

[Gymgurl]

That is a pretty average fee around Michigan. I used to work with the courts for people who where senteced to drug/alcohol counseling. I would do evaluations and other things for the attorn and courts...

 

[SoreArms]

I actually went throug ha similar thing (DUI) a couple ofyears back and got my charges reduced (I forgot to what) too. The problem is that, here in California, the DMV has their own rules/laws/judgements/ that spurceed the courts decision, so the DMV still suspended my liscence and gave me a DUI on my record.

 

[chewyxrage]

I actually went throug ha similar thing (DUI) a couple ofyears back and got my charges reduced (I forgot to what) too. The problem is that, here in California, the DMV has their own rules/laws/judgements/ that spurceed the courts decision, so the DMV still suspended my liscence and gave me a DUI on my record.

That's pretty shitty. My liscense was suspended as well for 6 months (for refusing to blow)

 

[Scotsman]

In the long run the $7,000 will be a lot cheaper than having your insurance double (at least here in CO) for the next five years. Since you still would have had to take the classes, paid court costs, DUI fine, and Re-instatement.

Cheers,
Scotsman

 

[chewyxrage]

In the long run the $7,000 will be a lot cheaper than having your insurance double (at least here in CO) for the next five years. Since you still would have had to take the classes, paid court costs, DUI fine, and Re-instatement.

Cheers,
Scotsman

Yeah that was part of it. It seems like a rediculous amount of money right now.....but in the long run it won't. thanks.

 

[velvett]

I think your pretty damn lucky and I will assume that you'll think twice before placing yourself in the same position right?

 

[sawastea]

There was a jury for underage drinking? Damn, Michigan must be a boring state with NO crime whatsoever

 

[chewyxrage]

I think your pretty damn lucky and I will assume that you'll think twice before placing yourself in the same position right?

I said I would never go through that again!

 

[hardrock]

Good to hear bro. Too bad it cost ya $7000 tho.

 

[chewyxrage]

There was a jury for underage drinking? Damn, Michigan must be a boring state with NO crime whatsoever

michigan huh?

and it was a trial for a DUI, not underage drinking. That's just what it was plead down to.

but you can plead not guilty to underage drinking tickets too. it's called "rights"

 

[velvett]

I said I would never go through that again!

Oh sorry - I thought you meant the court part.

For the record I drove intoxicated once, also underage and I drove right by a West Hampton cop he must have been sleeping. I was scared shitless and just told myself to stay between the white lines while practically hugging the steering wheel all the way to Southampton College. Most stupid thing I've done in this lifetime.

 

[chewyxrage]

Oh sorry - I thought you meant the court part.

For the record I drove intoxicated once, also underage and I drove right by a West Hampton cop he must have been sleeping. I was scared shitless and just told myself to stay between the white lines while practically hugging the steering wheel all the way to Southampton College. Most stupid thing I've done in this lifetime.

creepy. glad it worked out okay.


These days I just drive to a friends house(at the beg. of the night) and leave my car there all night. I get a ride back there in the morning if I have to.

 

[Gymgurl]

There was a jury for underage drinking? Damn, Michigan must be a boring state with NO crime whatsoever

There is tons of crime in Michigan...murder capital it was once called

 

[velvett]

These days I just drive to a friends house(at the beg. of the night) and leave my car there all night. I get a ride back there in the morning if I have to.

That's a happy ending for sure.

 

[Code]

On one hand, you should have been charged with attempted man-slaughter.
On the other hand, you should have just been fined, heavily.

 

[MattTheSkywalker]

Awesome outcome orb. $7K is jackshit, you'll be over the bump in no time. Congrats!!!

Come to FL and I'll buy you a beer.


Code

read a law book. there is no such thing as attempted manslaughter. "Attempted" requires intent, manslaughter does not. back to the server room for you.

 

[sawastea]

Chewy, my bad...I was referring to Illinois...I got caught up looking at Gymgurl's avatar and accidentally wrote Michigan...

Regardless, I did not know they have jury's for DUI's...Then again, I've never been to court and/or jury duty (**knock on wood**)

Glad to hear you're okay

 

[Code]

I AM the law!!
What I say goes.

Will one of the law enforcement agents here please place both these guys under house arrest for attempted poisoning of my personal space.


Thanks.

read a law book. there is no such thing as attempted manslaughter. "Attempted" requires intent, manslaughter does not. back to the server room for you.

 

[from zero]

There was a jury for underage drinking? Damn, Michigan must be a boring state with NO crime whatsoever

Ever heard of Detroit?

 

[chewyxrage]

Awesome outcome orb. $7K is jackshit, you'll be over the bump in no time. Congrats!!!

Come to FL and I'll buy you a beer.


Code

read a law book. there is no such thing as attempted manslaughter. "Attempted" requires intent, manslaughter does not. back to the server room for you.

Thanks bro. Your advice was very helpful as well. Thanks for taking the time to call me.