If you have been charged with a DUI or DWI charge, the district attorney may offer you a plea deal. In most cases, these deals are offered through your attorney unless you are representing yourself. If you have never faced charges before, you may have many questions about a plea deal. Here is some information you should know about DUIs and plea deals. 

What a Plea Deal Is

A plea is an agreement between you and the district attorney who is bringing the charges against you. In exchange for you either pleading guilty or no contest, they agree to provide you with an outcome that is satisfactory to you. It is important to note that a no contest plea is typically viewed the same as pleading guilty. The plea deal may involve reducing the charges, such as reducing the charge from a DUI to reckless driving or wet reckless driving. Or the plea deal may reduce the fines, jail time or community service time you may be facing. 

The Benefits of Taking a Plea Deal

There are many benefits to taking a plea deal. The first benefit is that you know the exact outcome of the case. You don't have to worry about whether a judge or jury will find you guilty and what you will be sentenced to. This gives you some control. The other benefit to accepting a plea deal is your case is over faster. This allows you to move on with your life quicker and reduces the amount of money you spend defending yourself. Going to trial costs money and takes time, so taking a plea deal minimizes those burdens. 

Your Options If You Don't Accept a Plea Deal

You are never under any obligation to accept a plea deal. In some cases, the district attorney may come back with a different offer if you did not accept the first plea deal. If none of the plea deals that are offered are acceptable to you, or you simply don't want to plead guilty or no contest, your case will proceed to trial, where it will be heard in front of a judge and/or jury. Defenses can be raised and a verdict will eventually be issued, which will determine your fate. 

If you have been charged with a DUI or DWI, it is important that you seek out a DUI personal attorney service. They can review the circumstances surrounding your case and help you determine whether it is worth fighting the charges, if there are any defenses and/or work out a plea deal with the district attorney. The sooner you consult with an attorney, such as Angela L Walker PC, they more time they have to work on your case and come to a possible positive resolution for the charges you are facing.