DWI charges are serious. Alcohol and driving should never be intermingled. When driving under the influence, you put yourself and others around you at risk. It’s never worth it to do so.
All the same, when circumstances happen, you need to advocate for yourself, and find a way to deal with your mistakes that helps you in the long run. One way to do it is through a plea deal. Here’s what you should know about plea deals:
- There’s more than one type of plea deal
Contrary to popular belief, plea deals aren’t just a matter of pleading guilty in order to reduce your sentence. Rather, plea deals can come in many shapes and sizes, sometimes even giving parties the freedom to discuss an arrangement that works for everyone. You can either plead guilty to a lesser serious offense than the one you’re charged with, dismissing one of the charges and exchanging it for another guilty plea against you, or agreeing to a sentence that will benefit you in the sense that there will not be as high of a fine and your license may not be suspended. Talk to your DUI attorney to figure out which option is best for you.
- Plea deal happen at any time
At any point of the trial, your lawyer can ask the prosecutor to make a plea deal. Whether formal, or informal, these discussions are more flexible than you think. - Plea Deals are a Compromise
While it’s important to reach the best solution for you, remember that alcohol related offenses are taken very seriously in a court of law — particularly DWI charges. That being said, be prepared to make a compromise with your plea deal. It’s likely you won’t get everything you want, but there are certainly ways to ensure that your charge is less unforgiving.
- Never say you’re guilty
While formulating your defense strategy, be careful with your words. Simple statements can quickly turn to admissions, and can be turned against you by the prosecutor at an even faster rate. If they ask you anything off-the-record, such as if you had a six pack, respond in a way that doesn’t necessarily agree with that statement, but allows you to discuss it and defend yourself all the same.
