How does a plea bargain work in a drunk driving case?

A plea bargain is when someone accused of a crime agrees to plead guilty in exchange for a lesser sentence. In the case of a drunk driving accident, a plea bargain may result in reducing the charges against the defendant. Plea bargains are common in drunk driving cases because they can benefit both the prosecution and the defense. For the prosecution, the plea bargain avoids the costs associated with a full jury trial. For the defense, the plea bargain may result in a reduced sentence, such as a lesser fine or a reduced jail time. In Florida, plea bargains are negotiated between the defense attorney and the prosecution. The defense attorney works to negotiate the best possible outcome for the defendant. Once an agreement is reached between the defense lawyer and the prosecution, the judge must approve the plea bargain. In some cases, the defendant may be required to participate in a drug or alcohol treatment program, attend classes, or perform community service in exchange for a plea bargain. In addition, the defendant may be required to pay restitution to the victims of the drunk driving accident. Once the plea bargain is accepted, the defendant will enter a guilty plea in court. The plea bargain will be finalized when the judge orders the sentence. The sentence will likely be less severe than if the defendant had gone to trial and been convicted on the original charges.

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How does a plea bargain work in a drunk driving case?

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