What Happens if I Take a Plea Deal for a North Carolina DUI?

One of the most important decisions during a DUI case is whether to plead guilty or not guilty. If you plead guilty, you may have the opportunity to pursue a “plea deal.” Although the benefit of this approach is a potentially lighter sentence, you may also face various negative consequences after a guilty plea. Speak with a DUI defense lawyer in North Carolina to better understand these consequences. 

Pleading Guilty Inevitably Leads to a Conviction

If you plead guilty, there will be no trial. Instead, your case will proceed directly to sentencing. After a guilty plea, the only real outcome is a conviction. This means that the DUI may go on your permanent record. A conviction also means that the court must penalize you in some way. Even though your plea deal might involve the promise of a light sentence, it will never eliminate penalties altogether. 

Future DUIs Could Lead to Greater Consequences

If this is your first DUI, a conviction will also make greater consequences more likely in the future. Like other states, North Carolina increases DUI penalties for those with prior convictions. A guilty plea for a first-offense DUI might only lead to light penalties, and you probably won’t go to jail if there are no aggravating circumstances. However, it is important to look at the “bigger picture” in this scenario. A second offense could lead to much greater penalties. 

You Could Receive a Lighter Sentence

Most people pursue plea deals because they want lighter sentences. Under certain circumstances, you could receive lower penalties by pursuing a plea deal. However, this is never guaranteed. The logic here is that if the court can skip past a prolonged trial and “cut to the chase,” it will reward you for not wasting its time.

Plea deals are often the result of complex negotiations between your attorney and the prosecutors. Plea deals are not created equal, and an experienced defense attorney may be able to push for a better plea deal than would otherwise be possible. 

Think Carefully Before Accepting a Plea Deal

It is all too tempting to accept a plea deal and move on with your life as quickly as possible. A plea deal may be particularly tempting if it doesn’t involve any jail time. However, you should think carefully before you accept a plea deal. Sometimes, it is easier to fight your charges than prosecutors or public defenders let on. 

Can a North Carolina DUI Lawyer Help Me?

If you’re considering a plea deal for a North Carolina DUI charge, you might want to meet with a defense attorney before making your final decision. These legal professionals can help you understand what will happen when you plead guilty. They may also help you assess potential alternatives, such as fighting your charges in court. Continue this conversation with Coastal South Law today.