Understanding Potential Plea Deals In A DUI Case In Marin County

In this article, you can discover:

• Potential plea deals in Marin County DUI cases based on the type of case.
• First offense DUI plea deals: probation, fines, work program, DUI school, restitution.
• DUI lawyer’s role in reducing driver’s license suspension through negotiation.
• Importance of hiring an experienced DUI lawyer for successful negotiations.

What Could Potential Plea Deals Look Like In A DUI Case In Marin County?

Potential plea deals in a DUI case can vary based on the type of case involved. DUI cases can range from vehicle code violations to accidents, including accidents with injuries or prior DUI offenses within the last 10 years. Felony DUI cases are the most challenging to defend and negotiate due to the higher stakes and stiffer penalties.

Let’s focus on the potential plea deals for a first-offense DUI. In such cases, a plea deal could involve probation for typically three years (though it can range from three to five years in Marin County), a fine of approximately $2,000, two days on the sheriff’s work program (credit depending on the time spent in jail), and participation in a DUI school.

The length of the DUI school is typically three months, but if the alcohol level was at or above 0.20, it could be extended to nine months. Additionally, there may be restitution for any accident-related damages. It’s important to note that during the probation period, it’s crucial to obey all laws, avoid new DUI offenses, and refrain from driving with any measurable amount of alcohol in your system to avoid violating probation.

Can My DUI Lawyer Negotiate A Plea Deal That Will Help Reduce The Length Of My Driver’s License Suspension?

Negotiating the length of your driver’s license suspension depends on the two primary forums involved in DUI cases: the DMV administrative per se process and the court case.

If your DMV hearing is won and a reduced charge, such as a wet reckless, is obtained in court, it is possible to completely eliminate your license suspension. However, in cases where a regular DUI conviction occurs, a mandatory six-month suspension is typically imposed.

Negotiation opportunities arise when working with the District Attorney (DA) to reduce charges, which can help mitigate the consequences. In some instances, your charges can be reduced to a wet reckless, resulting in a shorter probation period of one year, a smaller fine (often half the amount of a regular DUI), and a shorter duration for the DUI school.

If your DMV hearing is lost, resulting in a suspension, a minimum four-month suspension or restriction will be imposed, depending on the chosen restriction. Skilled DUI lawyers may have negotiating opportunities with the DMV, especially in refusal cases where the driver refused to take a chemical test. By skillfully negotiating, it may be possible to reduce your suspension to a regular DUI suspension, enabling the issuance of a restricted license such as an interlock license or a work-restricted license.

It is crucial to engage the services of an experienced DUI lawyer who possesses the necessary expertise and understanding of the legal intricacies to navigate these negotiations successfully.

For more information on the Specifics Of A DUI Plea Deal In Marin County, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (415) 886-6333 today.