Driving under the influence (DUI) charges are among the most serious traffic offenses prosecuted regularly in Virginia. Motorists accused of impaired driving face criminal charges rather than traffic citations. They may be subject to penalties that include incarceration, large fines and a driver’s license suspension. Additionally, anyone who pleads guilty to or gets convicted of a DUI offense has a permanent criminal record.
A motorist facing DUI charges may worry about going to trial, but they may also want to avoid pleading guilty to a DUI offense. Is it possible to work with an attorney to negotiate a plea bargain to a lesser charge?
Prosecutors can reduce DUI charges
In some cases, a plea bargain to a lesser offense can be a viable response to a DUI charge. In cases where the driver does not have any prior convictions for DUI offenses and where the infraction was a technical violation of the law that did not result in injuries to others, prosecutors may agree to reduce the charges in exchange for a guilty plea.
Frequently, the reduced charge is reckless driving. Reckless driving is still a crime, rather than a traffic infraction, but it carries lesser penalties and reduced social stigma when compared to a DUI. An attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor to secure a reduced charge. They may even be able to take certain penalties off of the table while negotiating a plea bargain for their clients.
Exploring every possible DUI defense strategy can be beneficial for those concerned about the long-term implications of a drunk driving offense. A plea bargain can be a viable strategy in cases where drivers do not want to go to trial.
