Should You Plead Guilty to DUI Charges in California?
Many people think that there is no point to fighting DUI charges, but that simply isn’t true. A lot is at stake if you have a DUI case, so you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to guide you through the process. So, should you plead guilty to DUI?
Speak to a DUI Defense Lawyer First
It is not uncommon for prosecutors to offer a plea deal in order to pressure you into pleading guilty to avoid the severe consequences of a DUI conviction. As a result, many people accused of DUI are taken advantage of. Some even plea guilty to the crime even if they were not actually driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
However, you should never plead guilty to DUI charges without first going over the details of your case with an experienced DUI defense attorney. Your lawyer will be able to properly determine what your best course of action is.
Factors You Should Consider Before Pleading Guilty
Before pleading guilty, make sure to consider all of your options. Some things to consider before you decide to enter a guilty plea include:
Your BAC at the Time of Your Arrest – If your blood-alcohol level test results read at exactly .08%, you should consider fighting the charges against you. Breathalyzer tests are not 100% inaccurate, so your attorney may be able to use a few strategies to prove the test results should not be trusted.
Plea Deal from Prosecution – In most DUI cases, the prosecution will offer you a deal where you plead guilty to a lesser crime (such as wet reckless) in exchange for softer penalties. If you do not have a favorable deal from prosecutors, you may not want to plead guilty. However, if your attorney believes your circumstances do not create a strong enough defense to obtain a more favorable result, you may want to accept the plea bargain.
Costs – Although hiring an attorney costs money, the cost is nothing compared to the penalties you face if you are convicted of DUI. According to reports, a first-time DUI conviction could cost you up to $16,000 when factoring in things like fines, cost of alcohol classes and higher auto insurance premiums. In many cases, pleading guilty could cost you a lot of money.
Speak to an Experienced DUI Defense Attorney Immediately
If you’re facing DUI charges, the best thing to do is speak to an experienced DUI defense attorney immediately. Your lawyer will walk you through the complex legal process and help you decide what is the best course of action for you under the unique circumstances of your case. Our criminal attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have been successfully defending people facing DUI charges for over 30 years. Let us help you now.
With offices located in Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina and Victorville, there is an experienced DUI defense attorney available to help you no matter where you work or live.
Call us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free phone consultation. We will be there when you call.
