If you are facing DUI (driving under the influence) charges, you might be tempted to plead guilty and conclude the case as soon as possible. However, that is not a decision you should take lightly. In fact, pleading guilty may only make sense under the following circumstances.
Once You Understand the Implications
Pleading guilty to a DUI means all that remains is the sentencing stage. The judge will hand down your sentence, and the conviction will be part of your criminal record. You need to understand what this means before you even start considering a guilty plea.
Note that the consequences of a DUI conviction go beyond the sentence as prescribed by the judge. Other possible long-term or associated consequences include:
The above are just a few examples; there are other consequences to worry about. Don't plead guilty before you understand all these things.
Once You Have Plea Bargained
Plea bargaining is an arrangement where a criminal suspect avoids trial by pleading guilty (typically to a lesser crime) and enjoying a reduced sentence. During plea bargaining, you need to aim for the least possible charge and sentence. Expect the prosecutor to commence the negotiations with the least possible reduction. It might take a some time before you reach an agreement. However, even if you don't get the best deal possible, it will still be better than pleading guilty without a plea deal.
If Time Is Your Biggest Concern
Even though plea bargaining might reduce your charges and punishment, you will still get sentenced. Therefore, pleading not guilty and defending yourself is still your best bet at getting acquitted. You should only agree to a plea deal if your main concern is the time you will spend in fighting your charges if you plead not guilty. For example, a DUI case can take as long as a year to resolve.
After Consulting With a Lawyer
Lastly, it is never a good idea to plead guilty to a DUI without consulting a DUI attorney. All the above issues, such as plea bargaining or understanding the effects of a guilty plea are easier to comprehend if you have an attorney explaining them to you. Besides, most lawyers prefer to fight for their clients to the best of their abilities. Thus, if you have consulted a lawyer and they recommend a guilty plea, you can rest assured that there is little else you can do.
Share22 November 2019
Like many other people, I admire the important tasks lawyers take on every day. I’m amazed at how knowledgeable general attorneys are about a variety of subjects. These professionals can accomplish many complicated jobs seamlessly, such as representing a client in a civil lawsuit, assisting a business with a merger, and acting on a client’s behalf in a medical malpractice lawsuit. Besides creating detailed legal briefs, they must argue their clients’ cases in court in front of a judge, jurors, and others. On this blog, I hope you will discover how crucial general attorneys are to this country’s legal system.