Facing a DUI charge can be a scary situation, and many people wonder if they should pursue a plea deal to just put the whole ordeal behind them. Sometimes a plea deal is the best option, while other times you’d be better off just letting your case play out in the court of law. Today, we take a look at some of the aspects of a plea deal, and whether or not you should pursue a plea deal for your DUI case.
Deal or No Deal?
The first thing you need to understand about plea deals is that they come in many different forms. There are three general types of plea deals that are commonly used in DUI cases:
- Pleading guilty to a less serious charge than the DUI
- Pleading guilty to one charge in order to get another charge dismissed
- Pleading guilty to avoid a certain penalty, like a license suspension, big fine or jail time
Now, maybe staying out of jail is a big point of emphasis for you, but that doesn’t mean you should stroll into the prosecutor’s office and offer to plead guilty if they can keep you out of jail. There’s more to it than that.
What most people forget is that they too have bargaining power. You might believe the prosecutor holds all the chips, but he has plenty to gain by making a deal, and that only works if you agree to it as well. For example, not only will the prosecutor save on court costs by avoiding a trial, he’ll also free up his schedule so he can take on more clients, which would bring in more money. So remember, the prosecutor would be wise to hear your list of requests.
Is It Worth It To Take A Plea Deal?
So now that you’re a little more familiar with the workings of a plea deal, it’s time to ask the important question, “Is it worth it to make a plea deal?”
That question isn’t always easy to answer, but here’s some things to consider when deciding if the deal is a good idea.
What Does My Lawyer Think – If you’re considering a plea deal, you shouldn’t be making that decision by yourself. Consult with a defense attorney, as they usually offer free initial consultations and they can look at all the angles of your case. Maybe the cops didn’t follow proper procedure or your rights were violated, and your lawyer believes he can get the case dismissed. You definitely don’t want to plead guilty to a charge if you could have beaten the charge had you only sought adequate defense.
What’s Important To You – Now, you’re not likely going to get everything you want in your deal, after all, you’re admitting guilt to a serious offense, but determine what is best for you and your future. For example, let’s say you drive for work an absolutely need a license. If you can get a deal that allows you to keep your license, it might be worth considering. Similarly, if a jail sentence is on the table, but you can’t miss school, work or have kids, see if you can get jail time waived or if you can serve your time non-consecutively at a time that works better for you, like on the weekends.
Money Money Money – This one is complicated, and it’s a point you should discuss with your attorney. People are always worried about the costs associated with a DUI, and rightly so, but it doesn’t mean you should take the first deal thrown your way. Again, nobody wants to plead guilty and pay thousands of dollars in fines when they could have fought the case and won for a fraction of the cost. Sometimes paying a little more up front saves you a lot of money in the long run, so talk over your options with your attorney. They’ll be able to explain all the costs of fighting the case, the hidden costs of the plea deal, and what works best for your personal situation.
