Those arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) may be faced with a huge decision. A lot of defendants are offered plea bargains, and those deals can seem pretty confusing to someone with serious legal problems looming. To help you understand what a plea bargain means and what you need to consider, read on.
Is It a Real Bargain?
Though it can sound like a good deal, it would be a mistake to automatically jump on the deal and sign the documents. A plea bargain is when you enter a plea, such as guilty or no contest, rather than go through a trial. So, a plea bargain walks all over your constitutional right for a fair trial by a jury of your peers. However, court cases are stressful, expensive, and the outcome is always far from certain. With a plea bargain, your case ends as soon as you go before the judge and enter your plea.
What Makes Up a Plea Bargain?
When you do accept a plea bargain, it may have several moving parts. There are the charges, and then there is the sentencing. Some plea bargains list reduced charges, and some reduce the counts of the charges. Some, however, contain the original charges but offer a lesser sentence. In many cases, the original charges may stick, but the sentence is reduced considerably. Confused yet? That is why those presented with a plea bargain must seek the help of a criminal defense lawyer before they agree to any deal.
Examples of Plea Bargains
For instance, those arrested and charged with DUI could be offered the following plea bargains:
As you can see, plea bargains don't necessarily make things easier but they can be beneficial to some. Don't rely on anyone else's advice, though, and speak to your lawyer and learn more about your plea bargain offer before you make a big mistake.
Share12 October 2021
Several years ago. I found myself facing a suit as the result of a traffic accident. Fortunately, a friend knew a great car accident attorney who was willing to take my case. She represented me well and the suit was eventually dismissed. That woke me up to the fact I needed an attorney to call on for other matters. Fortunately, I found a family attorney who could help with everything from creating last wills and testaments to dealing with personal injury cases. Today, I feel prepared to take on any legal issue that could come along. The trick is to choose the right attorney. Keep reading and I'll share how I made decisions that are right for me. Hopefully those same ideas will help you find legal counsel that you can depend on.
