Should I Plead Guilty or No Contest to DUI or Fight It?

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious crime in Washington state. Depending on the severity of the charges, a DUI conviction can result in exorbitant fines, prison time, and administrative penalties like license suspensions.

At a DUI arraignment, a judge will ask you to enter into a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The plea that you should enter will depend on the circumstances surrounding your case. Before entering into a plea, consult with a Washington DUI defense lawyer immediately.

What Happens If You Plead Guilty or No Contest?

By entering a guilty plea, you admit that you committed the crime for which you are being charged. On the other hand, a no-contest plea is the same as a guilty plea, except that you do not admit fault.

When you plead guilty or no contest to a DUI charge, you will be convicted of the crime. The court clerk will enter a conviction on your record and the case will move to the sentencing phase. The judge will assign penalties and inform you of the sentence that you are facing.

Generally, there is no benefit to pleading guilty or no contest at an arraignment. However, there are some situations where it is in your best interest. For example, the prosecution may offer a beneficial plea deal that can substantially reduce your sentence.

What Happens If You Plead Not Guilty to a DUI?

When you plead not guilty, you do not accept responsibility for the DUI and request that the case proceed to trial. After entering this plea, you will start the discovery phase and you and your attorney will begin to build a compelling case in your favor. The prosecution will also start building the case against you.

Pleading not guilty provides you with more time and opportunities to defend yourself and your side of the story. You could advocate for having the charges dismissed or reduced before entering the courtroom. You also have the right to change your plea to guilty or no contest if it is in your best interests.

Should You Take a Plea Bargain?

Plea bargaining is an important process when facing DUI charges. During this time, you may negotiate with a prosecutor in order to reduce the charges against you, usually in exchange for a guilty plea. There are several advantages and disadvantages to taking a plea deal.

On the one hand, you could avoid serious penalties like jail time by accepting a beneficial plea deal. However, you may have a stronger chance of receiving a not guilty verdict at trial and accepting a plea deal would harm your case.

Whether or not you should accept a plea deal will depend on several factors, such as the facts of your case, previous criminal history, and witness credibility. Always consult with a Washington defense lawyer before entering into any agreement with a prosecutor.

What to Do After a DUI Arrest in Washington

A DUI arrest can be a scary experience. Your future and livelihood are often on the line. In these situations, you need an advocate on your side who can fight for your best interests and help you navigate the criminal justice process.

As soon as possible following your arrest, contact a DUI defense attorney. Your lawyer will evaluate your situation and strategize an optimal defense strategy for your case.