The difference between acquitted vs. not guilty is that being acquitted means a jury has definitively decided you are innocent. Being found not guilty means the prosecution was unable to satisfy the burden of proof required to convict you of the crime.
While acquittal and not guilty verdicts have similar outcomes, there are several differences between them that are important to understand. A Los Angeles DUI lawyer can help you understand the ins and outs of the criminal defense process and work hard to get you acquitted or found not guilty.
Understanding the Difference Between Being Acquitted and Found Not Guilty
If you’ve been charged with a DUI or another criminal offense, you might research the legal process and find yourself wondering, “What does being acquitted mean?” Since acquittal and being found not guilty, both lead to you not being convicted, it can be difficult to understand why these two outcomes are different.
As mentioned above, acquittal means that after reviewing the evidence presented during the trial, the jury decides that you are not guilty of the crime. It’s important to note that being found not guilty can be a form of acquittal, but not everyone who is found not guilty is acquitted.
In some cases, the jury may find that there isn’t sufficient evidence to convict you of a crime. In this case, you are not guilty, but you aren’t acquitted because there’s a chance that you did commit the offense, and there simply isn’t enough evidence to prove it.
Simply put, being acquitted means that in the eyes of the court, you did not commit the crime. Being found not guilty means you are not legally accountable for the crime. An attorney can answer any questions you have about the differences between acquitted vs. not guilty and work hard to build a strong DUI defense strategy for your case.
Having Your Charges Dismissed Is Different From Being Found Not Guilty
If you’re facing DUI charges or charges for another criminal offense, you may also be wondering what it means to have your charges dismissed. Dismissal is similar to acquittal and being found not guilty because it means you won’t be convicted.
That said, dismissal is different from the other two outcomes. Dismissal may occur before the trial if prosecutors decide there isn’t enough evidence to follow through with your charges. This is different from a not-guilty verdict because the jury issues a not-guilty verdict once the trial has occurred. Dismissal allows you to avoid going to trial altogether.
How an Attorney Can Help You Get Acquitted or Found Not Guilty
Understanding the difference between getting acquitted and being found not guilty can be difficult, especially if you don’t have a legal background. Fortunately, a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can explain the difference between these two outcomes and answer any questions you have about your case.
A dedicated lawyer can also represent you during hearings, trials, and other legal proceedings. Your attorney will see your case through from start to finish and work tirelessly to get a not guilty verdict of acquittal.
Defending against drunk driving charges and marijuana DUI charges is a complicated process that involves a number of different steps. A lawyer can take the following actions to get you the best outcome possible:
- Investigate your arrest
- Gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test results, and more
- Use evidence to develop a robust DUI defense strategy
- Negotiate with prosecutors to get a favorable plea deal
- Defend you in court
- Work tirelessly to get you acquitted or found not guilty
- Answer any questions you have throughout the criminal defense process
Negotiating a Plea Bargain Is Another Possible Outcome
Instead of trying to get you acquitted or found not guilty, your attorney may also attempt to work with prosecutors to get you a plea bargain. When you accept a plea deal, you essentially agree to plead guilty to an offense that’s less serious than the one you were charged with.
The benefit of a plea deal is that you likely won’t suffer severe consequences like jail time. That said, you may still face fines or a temporary suspension of your license. An attorney can determine if pursuing a plea deal is right for your unique case.
Meet With a Skilled DUI Attorney for Free
At Los Angeles DUI Attorney, it’s our goal to connect you with the resources and representation you need to face your drunk driving charges. We’ll help you find an attorney who has the experience, knowledge, and resources necessary to get the best outcome for your case.
Contact us today to learn more about the difference between acquitted vs. not guilty. We’ll provide the information you need and help you schedule a free consultation with a trusted attorney. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
