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

A plea bargain is an agreement between a criminal defendant and the prosecuting attorney that allows the defendant to agree to plead guilty to a lesser crime or a reduced set of charges in exchange for the prosecutor dropping more serious charges or waiving more punitive penalties. In Oregon, a plea bargain may be used in a drunk driving case depending on the facts of the case and the discretion of the prosecutor. When a plea bargain is offered in a drunk driving case, the defendant pleads guilty to the lesser charge, often a non-driving-related offense like reckless endangerment or negligent driving. In exchange, the more serious charge of drunk driving is dropped. The plea bargain might also involve waiving more serious penalties, such as jail time, and agreeing to less serious ones, such as probation or community service. Both parties enter into the plea bargain voluntarily, and the plea bargain is only valid if the court approves it. Before accepting a plea bargain, the judge will review the facts of the case and ensure that the defendant understands the consequences of the plea bargain. If the plea bargain is approved, the defendant is found guilty of the lesser charge and no further trial is necessary. In Oregon, a plea bargain in a drunk driving case can help the accused avoid the most severe consequences and the long-term repercussions that come with a conviction on drunk driving charges.

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

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