A reputable DUI attorney will almost always insist that you plead not guilty in your DUI case. In fact, there is usually no benefit for a driver arrested on a DUI charge to plead guilty to a judge during their first court appearance. The prosecution bears the burden of proving its case in a court of law. By pleading not guilty, you buy valuable time for your DUI lawyer to critically evaluate all the circumstances surrounding your arrest in order to build an effective defense strategy that could result in your charges getting reduced or dismissed. If you decide to plead guilty, you will have no opportunity to argue your case and will likely hand down the maximum penalty for your criminal offense.