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

In Vermont, when someone is charged with a drunk driving offense, they might be offered a plea bargain. A plea bargain is an agreement between the accused person and the court. The accused person agrees to accept the charges and consequences of their actions and the court agrees to reduce the charges or sentences. Sometimes, a person charged with a DUI might be offered the choice to accept a lesser charge, such as careless driving which typically carries fewer legal penalties than a DUI. Other times, the accused person might be offered the choice to accept a longer sentence in exchange for avoiding a trial and the potential for a harsher sentence should they be convicted. When a person decides to plead guilty and accept a plea bargain, they sign an agreement with the court for lesser punishment and do not get to challenge the charges filed against them. In drunk driving cases, a plea bargain is often offered to avoid potentially more serious consequences later on. By entering into a plea bargain, the defendant is admitting their guilt, but may save time and money by avoiding an expensive and lengthy trial. A plea deal may also provide for a lesser sentence than if the case had gone to trial with a guilty verdict. It is important to remember that accepting a plea bargain is a serious decision and is not taken lightly by the court. When facing serious charges, defendants should seek legal advice from an experienced attorney to weigh the pros and cons of all options available.

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

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