Three Reasons Why You Might Accept A Plea In A DUI Case
Posted on: 27 March 2018
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A DUI can feel like a major mistake once you are charged. If you are charged with a DUI and you need to go to court, you will need to hire a DUI defense attorney quickly. Once you have secured bail and an attorney, the next steps are to figure out just what will happen with your case. If the DUI is your first DUI and your first major offense, chances are you will be offered a plea deal by the prosecutor in the case. This saves time from going to trial and it offers you the chance to avoid a major spectacle in your life. If you are offered a plea, here are three reasons why seriously considering the acceptance is a good idea.
You get a lesser charge
Even if the penalty of your first DUI does not seem high, it can go on your record long term. If you ever have a second traffic offense, you will find yourself in hot water and may have to do jail time. By pleading to a lesser charge, such as reckless driving, you will get a smaller fine and a lower amount of points on your license. This can also save you from having a criminal record if you are otherwise out of trouble.
You will save your insurance rating
Getting a ticket for going 10 miles over the speed limit can impact your insurance by driving up your monthly rates. A DUI will cause your rates to skyrocket and could possibly even cause your insurer to drop you. At times, a DUI charge will require securing SR-22 insurance, which is more difficult to find and more expensive. An SR-22 means that you will need to pay the entirety of your policy up front and that you will need the SR-22 insurance for several years. If you wish to keep affordable insurance rates and a payment plan, you may wish to take a plea.
A plea means less time in court
Your time is valuable and you will learn after having to go through the court process that it can be exhausting. Going to trial can mean months of preparation, gathering evidence, and speaking with your attorney. If you want to receive a lighter sentence and immediately, have your DUI defense attorney argue on behalf of a plea bargain for you. Your lawyer's expertise will allow you to get a lower punishment and complete the court and sentencing quickly, allowing you to go back to everyday life.