Charges for driving under the influence (DUI) in California can be resolved in a number of ways. You can fight these charges in court. In other situations, you may decide to settle your charges by accepting a plea bargain from the prosecution.
However, just accepting a plea bargain may not be in your best interest. It’s important that you understand how to negotiate a DUI plea bargain in the state of California. You can get help handling these negotiations and resolving your DUI charges with the Simmrin Law Group.
Basic Facts About Plea Bargains in California
Before you decide to accept a plea bargain, you should know what these deals entail. Accepting a plea bargain in California is the equivalent to pleading guilty. If you accept a plea bargain, you are admitting that you committed a crime and you will face penalties.
However, plea bargains often lead to lessened penalties. You will also get exact information about the penalties you’ll face if you accept a plea bargain. In some situations, this may make a plea bargain your best option for resolving a DUI accusation in Los Angeles.
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Charges Used in DUI Plea Bargains
A plea bargain requires you to plead guilty to a less-severe charge. If you are negotiating for a DUI plea bargain, you may be able to plead guilty to:
“Wet” Reckless Charges
Prosecutors often try to get drivers accused of a DUI to agree to a wet reckless plea bargain. These deals are often not in your best interest. While you may face lessened jail time and lower fines for a wet reckless charge, it will be priorable. This means that if you are arrested for another DUI you will face increased penalties because you have a wet reckless charge on your record.
Dry Reckless Charges
Dry reckless charges are very similar to wet reckless charges. However, a dry reckless conviction will not count against you if you are arrested for a subsequent DUI. Note that you may still face jail time, fines, and points on your license if you accept a dry reckless plea bargain.
Exhibition of Speed (Speed Ex)
Prosecutors offer an exhibition of speed charges as part of a DUI plea bargain infrequently. This charge will not count against you if you face additional DUI charges. It may be available if a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles is able to weaken the prosecution’s case significantly.
Negotiating for a DUI Plea Bargain in California
Now that you understand some of the basic charges used in DUI plea bargains in California, we can discuss how you go about securing these charges. You should be aware that prosecutors may offer you a wet reckless plea bargain right away. This initial plea bargain will generally work against your best interests.
In order to negotiate for a strong plea bargain, you must be able to bargain with the prosecution. it is highly recommended that you work with a DUI lawyer in Los Angeles. A legal professional can work to gain leverage to bargain for you. Your lawyer could work to:
- Demonstrate that the blood alcohol content (BAC) tests you took were inaccurate
- Show that law enforcement officers violated your rights
- Gather proof that you were stopped for a DUI without reasonable cause
Generally, negotiating for a plea bargain requires a firm understanding of California’s legal system, which you can get from a criminal defense lawyer.
Alternative Resolutions to California DUI Charges
As we mentioned, accepting a plea bargain is only one method to resolve DUI charges in California. Depending upon your situation, a DUI lawyer might recommend that you fight a DUI charge in the courtroom.
If you have a strong enough case, a professional criminal defense lawyer could be able to bring you a not-guilty verdict.
In some situations, your lawyer could even get your charges dismissed outright. Unlike a plea bargain, charges that are dismissed will not remain on your record at all. Find out more about the best way to resolve DUI charges in Los Angeles by contacting the Simmrin Law Group.
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Get Help Negotiating a DUI Plea Bargain Now
A criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles can look over any plea bargains you are offered by the prosecution. Make sure you only accept a deal that is fair to you by reaching out to the professionals at the Simmrin Law Group. Just call (310) 896-2723 or fill out our online contact form.
You can get a FREE initial case evaluation from our DUI lawyers in Los Angeles right now.
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