What Are Plea Deals in Washington State DUI Cases?

Learn about the process of plea bargaining in DUI cases.

If you have been arrested for a DUI in Washington, you’re probably worried about what’s going to happen next. A DUI charge can have dire consequences, including jail time, fines, and other penalties. One of the first things you’ll have to decide at the beginning of your DUI case is whether you want to take the case to trial or accept a plea bargain. In some cases, plea bargaining may occur during the trial itself.

A plea bargain is basically a deal between the prosecution and defense in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a reduced charge. For example, the original DUI charge could be amended to a reckless driving, negligent driving, or reckless endangerment charge. These charges have lighter penalties than a DUI.

Typically, once the prosecutor makes an offer, the defense responds with a counter-offer in an attempt to further improve the outcome. The benefits of accepting a plea deal include avoiding the mandatory minimum sentence required by law for a DUI conviction and receiving a lesser charge with a lighter sentence. You can also avoid the hassle of a trial by plea bargaining.

Why Do Plea Deals Happen?

Trials require a lot of work for prosecutors and can last for many days. The criminal justice system encourages plea bargaining because it alleviates the burden on the courts. Many times, prosecutors offer plea deals because the evidence against the defendant is weak. They may be having difficulty proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt. The prospect of having a skilled DUI attorney as an opponent may also make some prosecutors reluctant to go to trial.

If a plea deal is placed on the table, it’s important to assess whether you should accept the plea deal or go forward with the trial. Hiring a DUI attorney in Seattle is recommended because an attorney can carefully evaluate your case and carry out legal research to determine which is the best option in your particular situation.

Should You Accept a Plea Bargain?

While it might seem like a great idea to accept a plea deal at first, it isn’t always the best choice. When deciding whether to accept a plea deal or go to trial, it’s crucial to weigh the consequences of each option. The advantage of accepting a plea deal is that you’ll know exactly what your sentence will be. The biggest disadvantage of plea bargaining is for innocent defendants who plead guilty to a lesser charge just to avoid the risk of being found guilty at a trial. 

Having an experienced DUI lawyer by your side is crucial during the plea bargaining process. A skilled lawyer will be able to spot errors that law enforcement made before and after the arrest, as well as reveal weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Request a Free Case Review

Baker, Lewis, Schwisow & Laws, PLLC is a Seattle DUI law firm with over 45 years of experience in Seattle courtrooms. As former prosecutors, we have an unmatched ability to build a strong defense in your DUI case. Please call 206.209.0608 or contact us online to request a free case review.