What are the Consequences of a Guilty Plea in a DUI Case?

If you have been arrested for DUI in Florida, you often want to just enter a “not guilty” plea unless you are instructed by your criminal defense attorney do so. If you plead not guilty, you may have the chance to accept court plea deals or options later while you and your lawyer have time to build a defense strategy against the charges thrown against you. Pleading not guilty means your case will eventually go to trial before a jury or judge.

In contrast, using a plea bargain is a common strategy used by both defense attorneys and prosecutors to speed up the resolution of the DUI case. You must take note that not all plea bargains have the same outcome. It is recommended that you speak to your attorney about this in detail before you accept any deal offered to you.

For instance, a plea bargain may result in the removal of any time spent in jail or prison but a DUI conviction will be permanent on the criminal record. There are many cases when the defendant is not aware of the long-term implication of this arrangement. A permanent DUI on your record can hurt you later when you look for a job, purchase a car, or in other important decision about your life later.

Plea Arrangements

There are some plea arrangements that do not include conviction but may include other financial costs a defendant does not anticipate, like a long and costly probationary period to go through. A violation of your probation any time will result in another separate crime that may likely land you some time in jail.

In some instances, you criminal defense lawyer may be able to get your charge reduced to a less serious offense or make a deal for a favorable outcome for you. That is why retaining an experienced DUI lawyer as early as in the process is important. The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the better because DUI offenses are taken seriously by Florida courts.

If you or someone you love has been arrested for DUI in Florida, talk to a criminal defense lawyer who has handled similar cases and who knows how to work the system in your favor. Choosing the right DUI defense lawyer is critical to any legal proceeding, especially when your rights and freedom are on the line. Work with a lawyer who has dedication and who listens to your story.