Being charged with DUI is a big deal. If you are charged with drunk driving in Maryland, the prosecution may offer a plea deal at some point during your case. If this happens, you might have questions about whether you should take it or not as well as what it means for your DUI case.
Basically, a plea bargain allows you to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lenient punishment.
But first, should you accept a plea deal for your DUI charge?
The short answer to this is, it depends. No two DUI cases are the same. As such, it is important that you weigh the evidence in your case before making the decision to accept a plea deal or not.
That said, you can realise certain benefits if you accept a plea deal for your DUI charge like avoiding the mandatory penalties that you would otherwise contend with following a conviction.
So how can a plea bargain reduce your DUI charges?
Depending on the specifics of your case, a plea deal can reduce your DUI to the following:
- A traffic infraction – a traffic infraction is not considered a criminal offence. And while it is less likely, it is not uncommon for the prosecution to reduce your DUI to a moving offence. Upon approval, this will add points to your driving record.
- Consuming alcohol in a vehicle – like the other states, Maryland’s “Open Container” laws prohibit the consumption of alcohol in public areas, including in motor vehicles. This too is a non-criminal offence with less severe penalties.
A conviction for drunk driving can result in several uncertainties in your life. Learning more about Maryland’s drunk driving laws can help you make an informed decision when exploring your defence options.