Posted by duijim in on August 22, 2023
Selecting to plead guilty in a DUI case can be a monumental decision, with any guilty plea entered into as part of a plea bargain leading to criminal conviction and appearing on your record.
Plea bargains may be worthwhile options in your Atlanta DUI case if they will help avoid harsher penalties in court. This article outlines both their benefits and risks.
Reduced Penalties
An Atlanta DUI conviction carries severe repercussions that will last long after you complete your sentence. A conviction could bring significant financial implications through fines, jail time, probation and community service hours; employment may also be affected negatively as it could result in suspended license. It’s therefore crucial that you hire an attorney with experience who can work on your behalf with the prosecution to reduce charges and minimize penalties that could apply to you.
Felony DUI charges carry more serious repercussions than misdemeanor ones, even for first-time offenders. A conviction can include longer jail terms and higher fines; having one on your record could prevent you from getting employment, voting or owning guns in the future. A plea bargain can help avoid these potential setbacks by keeping it off your record forever.
A qualified DUI defense attorney can work to minimize jail time – especially for first-time offenders – as well as reduce fines and state/county surcharges, and have breathalyzer evidence dismissed if it proves unreliable or inconsistent, improving your chances of reaching a favorable plea bargain deal. When facing a felony DUI charge in Atlanta it’s crucial that you consult with an experienced Atlanta DUI defense lawyer immediately to evaluate potential plea bargain deals to make informed decisions about how best to approach future matters. We can assist in helping clients evaluate all options so as they make informed decisions when considering what would best for future proceedings should happen and help make informed decisions about plea bargaining deals which best benefit their future needs and decisions can help to achieve best possible results for themselves and future generations alike.
Less Stress
Criminal charges, particularly serious ones like DUI, can be an extremely stressful experience for defendants and their loved ones alike. Court appearances also often take time away from work and other obligations; adding additional strain.
Plea bargaining provides you with an opportunity to settle your case quickly, which can reduce stress for both yourself and your loved ones. A negotiated plea may also allow you to avoid serious repercussions of conviction such as lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines as well as restrictions on voting or possessing firearms.
Prosecution will likely make an initial offer that is quite low after conducting extensive research on your case, such as reviewing defective machines, blood test records, video footage of the stop, witness statements, car mechanical assessments and weather/lighting conditions at the time of arrest. Your lawyer will use any avenue available to them in order to negotiate a more favorable deal on your behalf.
An arrest for DUI can have serious repercussions, including jail time and fines; however, first-time offenders may qualify for Georgia diversion programs which offer reduced or dismissable sentences when completed successfully. A legal professional can help you evaluate these risks against potential benefits in terms of taking a plea agreement over going through trial process.
Less Time in Court
Dealing with DUI charges can be extremely distressing, particularly when facing harsh penalties. Trial proceedings could take an extended period to commence and require you to miss work for court appearances.
Plea bargains can help relieve some of this tension while saving money on attorneys’ fees and fines, as well as helping avoid more severe penalties that are attached to DUI conviction.
One of the primary ways that a DUI lawyer Atlanta, GA, can assist is by helping secure a plea bargain that limits your sentence. These deals often depend on what prosecutors think they can prove in court; for example if you have an alibi or can show that police violated your rights during traffic stop procedures then your lawyer may be able to show why evidence against you may be weaker.
Prosecutors tend to avoid cases that they perceive are unlikely to succeed, which may include DUI charges where the prosecution contends you were driving under the influence with a blood alcohol concentration of over 0.08 grams per 100 milliliters. A DUI conviction can also severely limit employment prospects and impact aspects of life such as housing or immigration status.
Less Money
Although most DUI cases don’t go to trial, it’s important to keep in mind that both sides have something to gain from plea bargaining. Prosecution can use it to ease their overburdened legal system while defendants might find it easier to settle than go through trial proceedings.
Your attorney may negotiate to have the charge reduced from felony DUI to misdemeanor offense as part of any negotiated agreement, which can reduce fines and penalties and remove it from your record – this may even give rise to getting it sealed, which would increase employment opportunities.
One drawback of negotiated deals is that they constitute a confession of guilt, which will appear on your criminal record and can have unexpected long-term effects, such as difficulty finding new employment. A guilty plea could even reduce or bar voting rights or consideration for certain government positions.
Decisions concerning whether to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty in Atlanta DUI cases should never be taken without consulting with a skilled and experienced Atlanta DUI lawyer, we can offer advice tailored specifically to your unique circumstance. Our team can offer guidance as you consider all available options that fit within the confines of the law and your individual situation.