A driving under the influence (DUI) charge can make you anxious about what comes next. You may worry about what would happen to your driver’s license and your job.
You may also wonder if it is possible to resolve the case through a plea agreement. The answer can help you prepare for plea discussions that may affect your record and penalties.
Several paths can lead to a DUI resolution
A plea deal is an agreement that resolves a criminal case without a trial. Under this deal, the prosecution and the defense agree on a specific outcome. In many cases, the defendant accepts a different offense or certain sentencing terms.
In a DUI case, this kind of agreement often focuses on reducing the original charge. That reduction can affect the penalties you face. Depending on the facts of your case, prosecutors and defendants may consider several reduced-charge options. Some of the negotiated charges include:
- Negligent driving in the first degree: This misdemeanor is one common reduction. It still carries possible penalties. However, it generally avoids the mandatory minimum sanctions tied to a DUI conviction.
- Reckless driving: This gross misdemeanor may carry serious penalties, but it does not usually trigger the same mandatory sanctions as a DUI conviction.
- Reckless endangerment: This gross misdemeanor may also resolve some DUI cases. It often carries less severe sentencing consequences than a DUI conviction.
- Not every DUI resolution involves a reduced charge: In some circumstances, a person may qualify for a different type of outcome. In Washington, some people may also seek deferred prosecution.
This option is a court-approved arrangement that delays the criminal case while you complete a treatment program and follow other legal requirements. It generally applies when the driving conduct is connected to a condition that requires treatment, such as substance use disorder or certain mental health issues.
Understanding your options after a DUI arrest
Each possible resolution depends on the facts of the case. For that reason, an option in one case may not apply in another. A careful defense review can show which resolutions may fit the evidence, arrest procedure and licensing concerns.
Since DUI plea discussions can be complex, legal guidance is often important. An attorney may review the evidence, explain the risks of each option and help you understand which outcomes may apply to your case.