Plea Bargains in Los Angeles DUI Cases
This is an exciting subject matter because many people perceive that it's the same plea bargain in every case. In other words, it's the same punishment that the prosecutors give in every single DUI case, which, of course, could not be further from the truth.
There are so many different factors that go into what the prosecutors will offer to settle a particular case.
One huge factor is how high your blood alcohol level was at the time of driving because that gets to the crux of the issue they're looking to guard against, which is the public getting hurt.
People with high blood alcohol levels are in a position where they really can't safely drive a motor vehicle, and this is where people die and get hurt on the road when individuals get to such a high blood alcohol level that they don't know what they're doing.
When the courts evaluate somebody to determine whether they're guilty or not and discover whether they are dangerous, they consider them from the perspective that everybody in society knows how risky drinking and driving is.
They're going to look at your actions on the case before you decide to start drinking.
In other words, unless somebody slips something in your drink, you knew that you were going to have to drive home before you started drinking, and you chose to do that. You made a conscious decision to do that.
The totality of Circumstances in Plea Bargaining DUI Cases
So, that's what they do. They look at the totality of the circumstances when they're deciding these plea bargain cases. This means they consider all the relevant factors, not just the blood alcohol level or the nature of the offense. They're also looking at the impact and the damage that a particular person caused in the case.
So, there's a whole gamut of DUIs. There are cases where somebody forgets to turn their lights on so the police could pull them over because of that, and then their blood alcohol level is pretty close to the legal limit. This is just one example of the many scenarios that can be considered DUI cases.
They weren't driving recklessly. Nobody got hurt, and they even passed some field sobriety tests.
That's the low end of the spectrum, and those people will be in a good position to argue for something less than a DUI. But, even that scenario is not just an everyday same thing every time.
It depends on which courthouse you're in. It depends on who the prosecutor is. It depends on what county you're in.
Some counties, like Ventura County and Orange County, are very difficult to deal with compared to Los Angeles County, which has some more flexibility. I don't know the answer to that. Ventura County and Orange County are just very conservative.
Prior Criminal Record, Injuries, Level of Danger on the Road
When looking at these plea bargains, you're also looking at the person. Do they have a criminal record? Do they have any tickets on their roster? They look at what you did. Were there any injuries? How fast were they going? Did somebody get seriously hurt, or is it just a soft tissue injury?
There are so many factors and ingredients that go into a DUI case that you must get an attorney with a lot of experience because they will have seen the different scenarios and outcomes.
I've been to a thousand courts, and if I have a case where somebody blew a .08, for example, and they're only offering me a first-time DUI, I'm going to look at the prosecutor and say, "Wait a minute."
Last week, I was just in here on a .08, and you gave me a speed contest. Why is this client different? What is more egregious about this client that you're now only offering the standard first-time DUI? What's the difference between a .08 and, say, a .13? Would you provide a first-time DUI to a .13?
If somebody's close to the legal limit, they can take the government to task and beat you in a jury trial because there's an error rate on the breath machine of .02, so this person could have been a .06. How are you offering the person who has a .08 the same as the person who has a .13?
There are techniques and strategies for plea bargaining cases. You have to know who you're dealing with.
Understanding the prosecutor, the jurisdiction and your client's actions is crucial in plea bargaining cases. This knowledge will not only inform your strategy but also prepare you for the potential outcomes, making you feel more in control of the situation.
Plea Bargain Options in DUI Cases
When dealing with tough prosecutors, it's important to be aware of your options. Sometimes, you may need to approach the judge to get a reasonable offer. Let's review some potential plea bargain options to ensure you're well-informed and prepared for your case.
- Wet Reckless
- Dry Reckless
- Exhibition of Speed
- Open Container
- Traffic Violations
- Drinking Alcohol in Vehicle
- Drunk in Public
Given the multitude of factors at play in a DUI case, it's crucial to seek the counsel of a local attorney with extensive experience in the court where your case is pending. Their familiarity with the court's dynamics, past successes, and the ability to have open conversations about your case will provide you with a sense of reassurance and confidence in your legal representation.