Driving under the influence attracts harsh legal penalties in Kentucky. You could be staring at jail time, steep fines and even losing your driving license. However, it does not always have to work out that way.
If your charges are reduced, you will likely end up with a more lenient sentence. For instance, a potential DUI can be reduced to reckless driving, which is good news for you. There are two ways this can happen.
Through a plea bargain
Your DUI charges can be reduced by reaching a plea deal with the prosecution. For instance, you may waive your right to trial and plead guilty to the lesser charges. In return, the prosecution will drop the original DUI charge. It’s how most criminal cases are resolved, instead of going to trial.
With a solid legal defense
A strong defense can poke holes in the prosecution’s DUI case against you. Remember, a DUI case is a criminal offense, and your guilt has to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If you successfully challenge aspects of the DUI, such as the legality of your traffic stop, or the validity of breathalyzer and field sobriety tests, it can be hard to prove that you were drunk driving. In such a case, the prosecution may resort to lesser charges where conviction is more assured.
Choosing between the two
Should you attempt to go against your charges or accept a plea deal? The answer depends on the circumstances of your DUI case. First, a plea deal is not guaranteed. In addition, these two options are somewhat interrelated. You can still get a plea deal after raising a strong defense.
As such, it would be advisable to seek an informed analysis and evaluation of your DUI case. It may provide useful insights on the best way of handling your defense.