Most people don’t get behind the wheel of a car after drinking more than they should intentionally. They do so because they feel fine or are confident that they’ll make it home safely. Regardless of your reasoning, getting arrested and charged with driving under the influence can lead to a lengthy legal process. In some cases, your South Carolina DUI defense attorney may recommend a plea bargain. Here’s what you need to understand about this option and how it can impact your case.
The Three Plea Options
When you’re considering your charges, you typically have three options before going to court. You can plead guilty which means you acknowledge that you drove under the influence. You can plead no contest which means you agree that there’s evidence to convict you of the offense, but not that you’re guilty of the charges. Or you can plead not guilty which means you believe yourself innocent.
What Is a Plea Bargain?
A plea bargain acknowledges your guilt and lets you take responsibility for your actions before the court in exchange for what will hopefully be reduced charges or reduced punishments. If you have multiple charges against you, the plea bargain could help you reduce the number of charges. If you’re facing severe punishments like jail time, high fines, or excessively long driver’s license suspensions, the plea bargain could reduce the severity of those punishments.
Every case is unique, and the outcome of the plea bargain will largely depend on what your attorney can argue for and the case and evidence against you.
What the Court Will Consider When Reviewing Your Plea Bargain
Just because your attorney recommends a plea bargain doesn’t mean the court will agree to it or that they’ll agree to the proposed sentencing reductions. The court will consider the following when reviewing your case and your plea bargain:
- Your driving record: If you have a history of traffic violations or prior DUI charges, the court will likely view your plea bargain less favorably.
- The evidence against you: If the evidence against you clearly shows your guilt, the court may be less likely to agree to the plea deal.
- Any witness statements: If your actions and arrest were witnessed by several people who agree that you were clearly under the influence, the court may be more likely to deny your plea bargain.
- Your BAC level: The higher your BAC level is, the less likely the court will be to agree to a plea bargain.
- Your interactions with law enforcement: If you were belligerent when dealing with law enforcement, the court may be less likely to accept your plea bargain.
Your attorney will review all of these before recommending a plea bargain. Be honest with them and listen to their advice as you go.
What Can a Plea Bargain Do?
Ultimately, the main goal of a plea bargain is to reduce the charges against you or to reduce the severity of the punishments you face. They can also save you time and money since plea bargains tend to let you avoid costly and time-consuming trials. Keep in mind that there’s no guarantee that your plea bargain will be accepted or will result in a reduction of the charges against you. That’s why working with an experienced attorney is such a good idea. They’ll be able to represent your case in a way that encourages all parties involved to accept your plea bargain.
Work With an Experienced South Carolina DUI Defense Attorney
If you’re facing DUI charges and are interested in a plea bargain, make sure you’re working with an experienced attorney. At Truslow & Truslow, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let our team help you decide what the best next steps are for your case and your future.