More on plea bargaining (plea negotiations)
Although all of our DUI lawyers attempt to gain an acquittal for our clients cases, in certain cases it is better to accept a plea bargain to a lesser offence then lose the case completely. Plea bargaining occurs when negotiations take place between the criminal lawyer and the prosecutor, and both parties agree that the original charge be dropped and a guilty plea be entered for a lesser offence. However, prosecutors must have a good reason to enter into plea negotiations and may occur if the lawyer can show that the prosecution’s case will likely not be strong enough to convict the accused with an impaired driving type offence. You will need an experienced criminal lawyer that specializes in impaired driving to show all of the weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case. All of our DUI lawyers have the experience and insight on how to show all of the weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case. Our DUI lawyers know how to attain the BEST deal possible and available if they can not fully aquit your case.
Can I represent myself and go to trial without an impaired driving or DUI lawyer?
Yes, you are legally allowed to represent yourself, but that would be the equivalent of skydiving without a parachute. It is highly recommended that you hire a criminal lawyer that handles at least 100 cases/year in impaired driving. If you do not hire a lawyer that has experience with impaired driving and Over 80 cases you will likely be wasting your money.
Impaired driving is a criminal charge with very serious penalties and ramifications. Are you willing to take the risk of having a criminal record? You will likely be required to be insured with facility insurance which can have premiums STARTING at $5,000/year to $15,000/year for 3 to 5 years! If you lose, you will also have to pay thousands of dollars in fines and will not be able to drive for a full year. Other ramifications are the installation of an ignition interlock device which you will have to breath into before your vehicle starts. If you have any alcohol in your system, your vehicle will not start. You will NOT be permitted to drive any other cars during this period of time. A criminal record can also affect your ability to be hired for a job in the future if a prospective employer completes a background check on you. Finally, you may be denied entry and not be able to travel to certain countries with a criminal record.
The bottom line is that you really shouldn’t represent yourself in court. You need an experienced criminal lawyer with a lot of experience defending impaired driving charges.
Call 1 866 WE WIN 01 For Your Free Consultation Today! All of our criminal lawyers will meet with you personally and go over many of the possible defences for your case.
