If you are charged with drunk or impaired driving in the state of Florida, you will likely be taken into custody. You will also likely spend at least a few hours in jail prior to seeing a judge. However, being charged with a crime doesn’t mean that you actually did anything wrong. Therefore, it may not be in your best interest to enter a guilty plea in your case.
Why would someone admit guilt in a DUI case?
One of the primary reasons why defendants enter guilty pleas in criminal cases is because they may receive more lenient sentences than if they were convicted after a trial. The prosecutor in your case may agree to a deal that allows you to avoid jail time or other significant penalties in exchange for a guilty plea. Pleading guilty to a DUI charge may also help ensure that the prosecutor in your case doesn’t pursue additional charges against you.
Why you should think twice about pleading guilty
Pleading guilty to a drunk driving charge may result in jail time, a license suspension, and a fine. The fact that you have a DUI on your record may make it harder to find work, obtain housing or get an education. If you are in the public spotlight for any reason, a drunk driving conviction may harm your reputation, which could make it harder to successfully run a business or maintain your career.
If you are charged with DUI, it’s important to think carefully before entering a guilty plea in your matter. As a general rule, a guilty plea means that you forfeit your right to a trial and head straight to sentencing, which may not be ideal unless you have accepted a favorable plea deal.