Local Law Firms Home > DUI DWI Drunk Driving Overview > Driving While Intoxicated > DWI Plea Bargains Driving While Intoxicated Plea Bargains Once you go through an arraignment on a DWI case, the next step in most cases is to go to a plea bargain, should you decide to come to a compromise. Plea bargaining (sometimes also referred to as sentence bargaining) is a process where a criminal defendant (or the defendant's lawyer) and the prosecutor reach a compromise. The defendant enters a guilty plea in exchange for a reduced charge, fine or jail sentence. The prosecutor gets to rack up a conviction without having to go to trial with a questionable case. Having an attorney represent you at arraignment is normally unnecessary. At this stage, you are only entering a plea, and you can plead not guilty. You can always change your plea to guilty or "nolo contendere" (no contest) later. Were you or a loved one arrested for driving while intoxicated? Contact a DWI attorney in your local area today for more information. Our drunk driving lawyers assist those injured in drunk driving accidents, but in other cases, can represent those who are facing DWI charges. For those facing charges, our lawyers can offer legal assistance and services regarding:
Plea bargains in drunk-driving cases, however, are no longer as common as they were many years ago. In light of the fact that many states flatly outlaw driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or more -- regardless of whether the driver is under the influence -- it is common for prosecutors to obtain convictions in cases that were once borderline (0.08% to 0.12% alcohol levels). And if alcohol was involved in any way, prosecutors may be prohibited from bargaining the charge down to anything less than a "wet reckless." (Many jurisdictions prevent a plea bargain of "dry" reckless if alcohol was involved, whether or not the driver was under the influence or impaired.) Have you or someone you know been charged with a DUI? If so, an experienced drunk driving defense attorney can help! Contact a DWI lawyer in your local area to discuss your case today. |