Should I Accept a Plea Bargain for DUI?

Penalties for a DUI Conviction

The penalties for DUI vary in our state depending upon certain factors, such as the defendant's intoxication level, whether or not they have a prior history of DUI, and whether or not they have caused an accident due to their drunk driving. Penalties can include everything from major fines to probation to jail or prison time for a number of years. If you have been charged with DUI, and offered a plea bargain by the prosecution, it is imperative that retain the help of a San Diego DUI attorney who can advise you as to the advantages and disadvantages of the offer, and assist you in coming to a decision that is best for you.

A plea bargain is essentially an offer given by prosecutors to a defendant charged with DUI. In a plea bargain, the defendant agrees to plead guilty to what is usually a lesser charge in exchange for a smaller sentence, or certain related charges being dismissed. Plea bargains are usually rare in DUI cases, but they do occur. If you have been offered a plea bargain in your case, there are several factors you should consider in making your decision, including:

• Examining what you are admitting to - If the charge being offered is still for DUI and you must plead guilty, it is best to consider the ramifications of doing so.
• Examine the punishment you are being offered - In most cases, a DUI plea bargain will be offered in an attempt to give you a lesser punishment and the avoidance of a trial. If the punishment offered seems less than what you would experience in the aftermath of a conviction, it may be wise to strongly consider the deal.
• The advice of an experienced attorney - An attorney who has represented people in a variety of DUI cases will have legitimate insight into whether or not your plea bargain is the best course of action in your DUI case.

San Diego DUI Attorney

The legal team at JD Law - Criminal Defense Specialists possesses over three decades of experience in practicing law, and has provided criminal defense services for many individuals in their DUI cases. We are familiar with all aspects of DUI criminal cases, including plea bargains, and can provide you with knowledgeable advice regarding the bargain offered to you in your legal proceedings. Contact our offices right away, and we will fully investigate your case in order to help you determine whether you should accept a plea bargain, or fight for a favorable outcome in a formal trial.

Have you been offered a plea bargain in your DUI case? Contact a San Diego DUI lawyer for advice regarding whether you should accept the prosecution's offer, or proceed to trial with the intention of securing a successful resolution.