Any time you’re facing accusations of driving under the influence, you want to know your rights and what to expect as you defend yourself. One of the things that might come up for you in your case is a DUI plea deal, and, depending on the circumstances, you might be considering accepting it.
Should you take a plea deal or not? The answer to that question depends on several factors. In some cases, accepting a DUI plea deal may not be the best option for you.
The first thing to remember is that if you accept a plea deal, you plead guilty to the crime. Once you accept a plea deal, it also is almost impossible to prevent it from being entered in court or to ask to change it any way.
When you take a plea deal, you’re agreeing to keep your case out of court. You won’t be tried in front of a judge or jury, and you won’t get the opportunity to fight the charges.
Most people plead not guilty to DUI charges, because doing so gives them the right to fight back against the allegations in court. You’ll also maintain the right to a trial with a jury of your peers or before a judge, giving you a chance to explain yourself or why you think the charges are unreasonable or unfair.
Plea bargains can be a good deal for some people, such as those who have significant evidence against them and a great chance of losing their case in court. However, for most people, it’s much better to retain the right to fight back in court, because it is reasonable to question aspects of your traffic stop or information about your DUI charge directly.
Before you accept any kind of plea deal or arrangement, it’s important to get to know more about what accepting a plea deal could do to help or hurt you. Good guidance can help you select the right path forward based on your specific case’s facts.
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