With a plea bargain in a DUI case, an arrangement is made between a defendant and the government. The defendant agrees to a guilty plea in exchange for a reduction in charges and the dropping of the government’s case. They are uncommon in DUI cases, but the arrangement can be ideal for the government and the defendant depending on the nature of the case and the type of evidence used.
Options for a DUI Plea Bargain
At a certain point in a DUI case, the defendant must decide whether they should:
- Take the case to court and allow the jury or judge to decide their innocence or guilt
- Work a plea deal with the prosecution
Plea bargains can include reduced charges, a shorter sentence, or both. The plea bargain types that can be negotiated are:
- Dry/reckless
- Wet/reckless
- Excessive speed
- Public intoxication
- Other traffic infractions
- Shorter sentencing or probationary period
- No license suspension
DUI Plea Bargaining Examples
An example of a DUI plea bargain is where a prosecutor offers a defendant reduced charges, such as from a DUI to an open container citation. These are typically done if a defendant has no prior criminal history. In cases where the jury’s decision isn’t likely to be favorable, DUI Lawyers may be able to arrange it so the only punishment is a DUI charge on the defendant’s record.
Reasons for Plea Bargains
Plea bargaining in DUI cases is often done because of the court’s preferences rather than the defendant’s. If the court feels that their case is weak, they may be more likely to offer a plea deal than to take the case to trial. Some plea bargains are made because they allow defense attorneys and prosecutors to control charge results instead of leaving it to the court to decide on a client’s guilt or innocence.
Calling an Attorney
Hiring DUI Lawyers from Addair Thurston Chtd. for help during the process is a wise decision, especially if a defendant wants to strike a plea deal. A knowledgeable DUI lawyer can help most defendants as long as the circumstances of their case are appropriate.
