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Is it best to just plea bargain a first DUI offense?
Question:
I was just arrested for a DUI, and I have never been charged with a crime in my life. I'm pretty sure I shouldn't have been driving, but I'm not sure how to handle it now. Do I plead guilty at court?
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Get Informed - DUI/DWI Law Information
We've got a large library of DUI and DWI law articles, Q&A's and other resources. Start here to learn about DUI laws, arrests, defense, penalties and more.
DUI Basics
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Get the low down on the law and what you can expect if you're arrested and charged with a DUI.
Your DUI and the DMV
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
Besides the court and criminal charge the Department of Motor Vehicles will also bring you grief.
DUI Arrests, Police Reports, Arraignments, and Fees
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
After you're arrested, booked and released, you'll need to get ready for your arraignment.
DUI/DWI Charges and Penalties
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
After a DUI conviction expect fines, license suspension, DUI school, and sometimes jail.
Fighting a DUI
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
You may have options to lessen the sentence, get a reduced charge or get the case dismissed.
Getting Help with a DUI/DWI Charge
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
There are some things you can do yourself and some which require the help of an attorney.
Accepting a plea bargain may be the best option in some cases, but that decision should not be made prematurely and it should not be made solely by a person without legal experience.
A DUI, even when it is a first offense, is a serious charge. It is important to understand that under the terms of some plea bargains a person must still agree to enter a guilty plea. The consequences may be burdensome, especially if you are facing them unnecessarily. There is a possibility that you may beat your case and not have to pay any fines, attend an classes, or agree to the terms of probation, which are results that commonly accompany plea bargains.
Even in circumstances where the charges are reduced, it best to know undoubtedly that there are no other options before you make an agreement to be convicted of any offense. In many instances, if a plea bargain is offered, especially to an individual without a lawyer, it is an indication that the prosecutor realizes that there is some type of problem with his case. Due to your inexperience with the legal system, you are not likely to be able to identify those details. It is also unlikely that if a plea bargain is your best option that you will have the ability to negotiate the best terms.
You should never consider entering a plea bargain without the advice of a lawyer. Before you make any decisions, contact an experienced DUI attorney for a professional assessment of your case.
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