Los Angeles DUI Plea Bargain Lawyer

Last Modified: November 5, 2024
Los Angeles DUI plea bargain lawyer

Facing DUI charges can be stressful and complicated. A plea bargain might help resolve your case quicker and with fewer penalties than a jury trial. A Los Angeles DUI attorney can explain your options and help you decide if a plea bargain is right for you.

Whether your goal is to avoid a trial or simply to reduce your penalties, an attorney can guide you toward the best outcome. Plea bargains are a key part of the criminal justice system and often play a role in resolving DUI charges.

At Perlman & Cohen, our skilled DUI defense lawyer is ready to help. We know how dreadful a DUI arrest can be and will work to the best of our abilities to protect your rights. Our team will explore all available options, including plea bargains, to help reduce the penalties you face.

What Is a DUI Plea Bargain?

A DUI plea bargain is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecution. In a plea bargain, the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser offense, often resulting in a reduced sentence. Many DUI cases in Los Angeles involve plea bargains, as they provide an option to avoid a lengthy jury trial. With the help of a DUI lawyer, you can know if this is the right choice for you.

Types of Plea Bargains Offered in DUI Cases (Wet Reckless, Dry Reckless)

Plea bargains in DUI cases can lead to reduced charges such as wet reckless or dry reckless. A wet, reckless plea bargain still involves alcohol, but it’s a less severe charge than a DUI. This plea bargain could even be an option if your BAC exceeds the legal limit.

A plea bargain may lead to lower fines, less jail time, and fewer long-term consequences on your record. It is often offered when the evidence for a DUI is not strong, but there is still some indication of alcohol use.

A dry, reckless plea bargain removes any mention of alcohol. This can be a better option for your record in the long run. Since there’s no reference to alcohol, it may impact your future employment or insurance rates less.

Both plea bargains can help you avoid the harsher penalties of a DUI, but each has different benefits depending on your situation. An experienced and skilled DUI attorney can help you decide which option is best.

How Plea Bargains Can Reduce Charges and Penalties

Plea bargains can significantly reduce DUI charges and penalties. Instead of facing the full consequences of a DUI conviction, you might agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge. This can mean lower fines, less jail time, or even avoiding jail altogether. For example, a wet, reckless plea deal could lead to smaller penalties than a DUI conviction.

By accepting a plea bargain, you also avoid the uncertainty of a jury trial. Trials can be lengthy and risky, but a skilled DUI lawyer can help negotiate a deal that minimizes the impact on your life.

Benefits of a DUI Plea Bargain

Benefits of a DUI plea bargain

Avoiding a lengthy trial

Plea bargains help you settle without going through a jury trial.

Lowering fines and penalties

A plea deal can reduce the fines or community service you might otherwise face.

Potential for reduced jail time

Many plea deals focus on lowering or avoiding jail time.

Maintaining your driving privileges

A successful plea deal can help you avoid or reduce the duration of a license suspension.

Lessening impact on your record

Certain plea bargains allow charges to be reduced to minor offenses, which have a less severe impact on your criminal record.

Reducing Jail Time or Fines Through a Plea Agreement

A plea bargain can often lead to reduced jail time or no jail time at all. An experienced DUI attorney at Perlman & Cohen can work with the prosecution to find an agreement that spares you lengthy jail time or heavy fines. By reaching a plea deal, both sides avoid the uncertainty of a jury trial.

Avoiding a DUI Conviction on Your Record

You can avoid a DUI conviction on your record with a plea bargain. For instance, a wet reckless or dry reckless charge is less serious than a DUI offense. With the help of a DUI defense attorney, pleading guilty to a lesser charge may protect your record in the long run.

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Note: If you are a driver with DUI convictions in Los Angeles, you may be required to file an SR-22 form. This is to prove you have the necessary insurance coverage.

Shortening or Avoiding License Suspension

Plea deals can often help prevent or shorten a license suspension. In many cases, agreeing with the prosecutor can mean keeping your license or reducing the suspension period. This can be a vital part of a plea bargain in a jury trial.

How Do You Know If You Should Take a Plea Bargain?

Deciding whether to take a plea bargain depends on the details of your case. A plea bargain can help you avoid the risk of a long jail sentence or serious DUI charges. If the evidence is strong, accepting a plea deal can often result in reduced penalties, such as shorter jail time or reduced fines.

Speaking with DUI lawyers and a deputy district attorney is essential to know your options. They can explain how strong the case is against you and whether the plea offer is fair.

A plea bargain can sometimes be the best way to get a lighter outcome without going through a full jury trial. A lawyer at Perlman & Cohen can help you weigh the deal's pros and cons.

Should You Take Your Case To Trial?

Should you take your case to trial

Choosing a trial depends on the facts of your DUI case. In some cases, going to trial may be better, especially if strong defenses are available. A criminal defense lawyer can discuss the risks and benefits of a jury trial versus a plea bargain. If you have a prior criminal record, that will play into the decision regarding a possible plea deal.

Is a Dismissal Possible Instead?

Sometimes, a case dismissal is possible if there are issues with the evidence. However, dismissals are rare in DUI cases, so many defendants opt for a plea bargain. Pleading guilty can help avoid a jury trial and reduce the charges.

How a DUI Plea Bargain Lawyer Can Help

How a DUI plea bargain lawyer can help

A DUI lawyer experienced in Los Angeles DUI plea bargains can be essential in helping you get the best outcome. They know how to negotiate with prosecutors and what options may be available. For example, a plea deal can help you avoid having a DUI on your criminal record, affecting employment or insurance rates.

An attorney at Perlman & Cohen will review the facts of your case, explain the possible outcomes, and guide you on the best course of action.

FAQs

What is a plea bargain?

A plea bargain is an agreement to plead guilty to a lesser charge. It can reduce penalties and avoid a jury trial.

Why would I plead guilty to a DUI?

Pleading guilty can lower the risk of harsher penalties. A DUI lawyer can help you know if it’s the right option.

Do plea bargains apply to all DUI cases?

DUI cases frequently offer plea bargains, but the specifics vary. Discussing with a DUI lawyer can clarify your options.

Can I still go to a jury trial after a plea offer?

Yes, if you choose not to accept the plea bargain, you can go to trial. Your attorney can guide you on the best path.

How does a plea bargain impact my criminal record?

A plea bargain can lead to a less serious charge, which may have less effect on your record.

Contact Our Los Angeles DUI Plea Bargain Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation

Contact our Los Angeles DUI plea bargain lawyer for a free case consultation

If you are facing a DUI charge, Perlman & Cohen can help. Our experienced DUI defense attorneys in Los Angeles know the plea bargain process. We’ll work with you to find the best solution, whether through a plea deal or defending your case in a jury trial.

Our goal at Perlman & Cohen is to protect your reputation and guide you toward the most favorable outcome. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to support you through this challenging time.

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