Good DUI Attorneys Avoid Making Promises in the Opening Statement

Experienced DUI defense attorneys know that going to trial on DUI charges can an intimidating experience, and will explain to you how they will try to argue your defense before the jury. A Sacramento DUI attorney can help you understand what to expect.

One mistake some attorneys make at trial is to make promises in the opening statement as to what they will prove or establish. This is dangerous because the attorney must be seen as credible by the jury, and if your attorney makes a promise that is not delivered at some point, the jury will lose a lot of credibility for your attorney and, by association, for you. This is especially fatal if the jury thinks your attorney sought to intentionally mislead them, and it gives them more reason to return a guilty verdict.

“Promises” happen because your DUI defense counsel assumes that certain things will come out under cross examination or direct examination. But such assumptions can be fatal, and an experienced DUI attorney knows never to assume that something will happen at trial. Your attorney should explain to the jury the basis for your case and the facts you will rely on to make it, but do not overstate what evidence will be used or what will happen during your attorney’s direct examination or through the cross-examination of the prosecution witnesses. Your Sacramento attorney should err on the side of caution.

If you have further questions about your DUI arrest, contact experienced Sacramento DUI attorney Param Pabla for a consultation.