Plea bargains are very common in court cases, yet many wonder if they should accept a plea bargain when they have been accused of driving under the influence. Some are under the impression that doing so will help to reduce the consequences of the charge as you are accepting responsibility for your actions, but this isn’t necessarily the case. There are two things you should look at when determining if you should accept a plea bargain and both require the help of a DWI Attorney in Rochester, MN.
The first thing you should take into consideration is the opinion of your DWI Attorney in Rochester, MN as he or she is familiar with the court system and what the penalties will be if you do so. Your attorney has experience that only comes from working with prosecutors and judges in the court system. They also know what defenses may apply in your case and their chances of success so you should never discount what they have to say. You make the final decision, but this should only be done after you have all of the facts.
Next you should consider what the consequences will be if you take a plea bargain and what they will be if you go to court and lose. If the penalties could be seriously reduced by going to court, you should obviously avoid taking a plea bargain. If your DWI attorney in Rochester MN believes the case is very strong against you and there is no way the charges will be dropped or dismissed, it is best to accept a plea bargain. You’ll need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each very carefully before you make your decision.
Discuss all options with your DWI Attorney in Rochester, MN and ensure you understand exactly what will happen if you go a particular route. Your case is unique in many ways and the attorney helps you to weigh all pros and cons before a final decision is reached. In some cases, such as when your chances of success in court are 20 percent or less, you should take a plea bargain. In others, it is best to let a judge or a jury of your peers decide your guilt or innocence.
