While most clients are hesitant to speak at their plea hearing, a court apology can help at sentencing. But only if the apology is sincere.
Court Apology at DWI Plea
Because there are so many Charlotte DWI lawyers, there are many different styles. However, relatively few attorneys ever have their client express remorse as part of their plea. Respectfully, I believe this is an important part of the process. Furthermore, judges in my experience appreciate the apology if it is real. Rather, nothing bad can come from it unless your client fakes it. And most judges can see through fake anything. So here is how this process works.
The Plea Process
When the clerk calls your name, you and your lawyer come up before the court. Then, the prosecutor will read the charge and ask how you plead. Since this is a plea, your lawyer will answer “guilty your honor.” Next, the prosecutor alleges any “gross aggravators” or “aggravators” that apply. Consequently, your lawyer offers “mitigators” to reduce your punishment level. Hence this is how a judge determines your sentence. However, before ruling, I offer my client’s expression of remorse as a further mitigator. Accordingly, the client then apologizes using their own words. Because they are nervous, they are usually very brief. That’s alright as long as the apology is genuine.
Court Apology Reactions
As a result of years in practice, I firmly believe in redemption. Because everyone makes mistakes in life, we hope that they learn and will not repeat them. Consequently, there is nothing wrong with being sorry for those mistakes. Furthermore, everyone likes a happy ending to a stressful time in life. Through offering a court apology, it shows the judge you have learned and grown from this bad decision. And therefore, the judge will want to reward your good faith. During my civil and criminal practice, I have found only good things come from this gesture.
