When should you plead guilty to DUI?

If you are charged with drunk or impaired driving in the state of Florida, you will likely be taken into custody. You will also likely spend at least a few hours in jail prior to seeing a judge. However, being charged with a crime doesn’t mean that you actually did anything wrong. Therefore, it may not be in your best interest to enter a guilty plea in your case.

Why would someone admit guilt in a DUI case?

One of the primary reasons why defendants enter guilty pleas in criminal cases is because they may receive more lenient sentences than if they were convicted after a trial. The prosecutor in your case may agree to a deal that allows you to avoid jail time or other significant penalties in exchange for a guilty plea. Pleading guilty to a DUI charge may also help ensure that the prosecutor in your case doesn’t pursue additional charges against you.

Why you should think twice about pleading guilty

Pleading guilty to a drunk driving charge may result in jail time, a license suspension, and a fine. The fact that you have a DUI on your record may make it harder to find work, obtain housing or get an education. If you are in the public spotlight for any reason, a drunk driving conviction may harm your reputation, which could make it harder to successfully run a business or maintain your career.

If you are charged with DUI, it’s important to think carefully before entering a guilty plea in your matter. As a general rule, a guilty plea means that you forfeit your right to a trial and head straight to sentencing, which may not be ideal unless you have accepted a favorable plea deal.