3 DUI Defense Stories About Plea Agreements
Imagine that you’ve been arrested. You face jail time. Then, before the trial has begun, the prosecutor offers you a plea deal. What happens next?
You may be tempted to think there are two possible scenarios. Either you accept or you decline, right? In practice, plea deals are more complicated than they seem on paper. Three recent news stories provide some insight into the logistics of plea deals.
If you’ve been arrested in Florida and charged with any type of driving under the influence (DUI) charge, we should be your next phone call. At the Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, P.A., we specialize in helping our clients fight DUI charges and reach a favorable outcome in their trials. To learn more about our service or to speak about your case, Call Us At 866-949-0888 Today!
1. DUI Plea Deal Includes No Jail Time
Another example of a child star making the news for all the wrong reasons brings us an example of what a favorable plea deal looks like. CNN News reports that Amanda Bynes ended her DUI trial by pleading no contest in exchange for no jail time.
For anyone wondering, a no-contest plea is not the same as a guilty one. Instead, it means the defendant accepts punishment because they acknowledge that the case against them is strong. Her punishment will include an alcohol education course, several years of probation and a fine.
2. Man Refuses Plea Deal
If a defendant decides that the plea deal is not beneficial enough, they have the option to hold out for a better deal or take their chances at trial. The NWI Times reports that Michael Temores refused to sign a plea deal, claiming that the prosecution offered a better deal originally, then reneged.
Temores is charged with killing another driver while driving under the influence, so any plea deal would include jail time, but he hopes to negotiate to a lower charge and less jail time.
3. Judges Finds Plea Deal Unsatisfactory, Rejects It
It is important to note that any plea deal is subject to a judge’s approval before it can be executed, and sometimes, the judge withholds that approval. CBS News reports that the prosecution and the defendant reached an agreement in a homicide DUI case that had the support of the victim’s family, but the judge decided that the punishment was too lenient.
This seldom happens during trials, but it prompts the defense and prosecution to try again. Typically, the prosecution and the defense will have several months to come to an adequate agreement before a trial is ordered.
If you are in need of DUI defense in Fort Myers, call us. We are available for legal advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can reach us when you need us. Just Call Us At 866-949-0888 Today!
