The prospects of going to court to face driving under the influence (DUI) charges may seem daunting, and you may feel pressured to resolve the situation quickly by accepting a plea deal. However, it’s crucial to understand that this might not be the way out of the predicament. Here is why.
A plea deal will result in a conviction on your record, which can negatively affect your quality of life. It can be difficult to secure a job with a criminal record. Additionally, you must give up some crucial constitutional rights, like the right to present a defense for your DUI case.
Pleading guilty to drunk driving-related offenses can also come with other undesirable consequences like increased insurance costs or a license suspension.
Carefully weigh your options
How strong is the evidence against you, and is it enough to secure a conviction? Even then, rushing into a plea deal because the prosecution has overwhelming evidence is ill-advised. There could be legal issues that may affect its admissibility in court.
This can be the case if the police violated your constitutional rights when stopping or arresting you for drunk driving, mishandled evidence in their custody or incorrectly administered sobriety tests. The court may exclude such evidence from your DUI case, potentially leading to an acquittal or reduced charges. Other DUI defenses could apply to your situation, and you might have a better outcome going to trial than taking a plea deal.
Seek qualified guidance
Every DUI case is unique, underscoring the need for personalized legal assistance. An informed assessment of the circumstances of your DUI charges and the terms of the plea deal can help you make the right call and protect your interests.