What is the difference between plea bargaining and deferred adjudication?

Plea bargaining and deferred adjudication are two different strategies when it comes to DUI law in Washington. Plea bargaining is an agreement between a defendant and prosecutor where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for avoiding a harsher penalty. Deferred adjudication is different in that it is an agreement between a defendant and court that allows the defendant to plead guilty while still avoiding a conviction and its consequences. In plea bargaining, the defendant, in exchange for a lighter sentence, agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge of DUI or lesser offense such as reckless driving. On the other hand, deferred adjudication does not involve a plea bargain. Instead, the defendant pleads guilty but does not receive a conviction. The court places the defendant on probation, and if the defendant follows the probation terms, the charges against him or her are dropped. The main difference between plea bargaining and deferred adjudication is that in plea bargaining, a defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge and may face less punishment, while in deferred adjudication, a defendant pleads guilty but does not receive a conviction. Furthermore, in deferred adjudication, the defendant must follow probation terms in order for the charges to be dropped. Both are viable options for defendants facing DUI charges in Washington, but one option might be more suitable depending on the individual case.

Related FAQs

What is the penalty for a DUI conviction in the state of Massachusetts?
What are the different types of DUI charges?
What is a "Super Drunk" DUI charge?
What is the difference between a DUI and a DWI in the state of North Carolina?
What is an " administrative per-se" law?
What is an SR-22 insurance form?
Can I expunge a DUI conviction from my record?
What is an "aggravated" DUI charge?
What are the consequences of a 2nd DUI in the state of Florida?
What is an "enhanced" DUI charge?

What is the difference between plea bargaining and deferred adjudication?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts