DUI Blogger

Because a “no contest” plea is essentially the same as a guilty plea…given that both result in a sentence…you may not give much thought to which plea to enter if you are about to be convicted of misdemeanor driving under the influence. But if your DUI involved any other cars, passengers, pedestrians, or property, which plea you enter can make a world of difference.

This is because a California “no contest” plea will not automatically subject you to liability in the event a civil lawsuit arises. A guilty plea will. This is the major difference between the two pleas.

If you injured someone or damaged someone’s property as a result of your alleged criminal conduct…and that person files a civil lawsuit against you…a guilty plea is admissible as evidence against you in the civil suit. And because the burden of proof is much higher in a criminal case than in a civil case, that guilty plea is enough to find you civilly liable.

If, on the other hand, you entered a California “no contest” plea, the civil suit would proceed as if there was no criminal case against you. The burden would be on the plaintiff (that is, the person suing you) to prove that you were responsible for the alleged injuries/damages.

A word to the wise… anytime you enter anything other than a “not guilty” plea to a California misdemeanor charge, make sure it’s a “no contest” plea. It can’t hurt, and it certainly can help.

With the holiday season underway, one thing is certain…the number of California DUIs will increase. If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being arrested for drunk driving, it’s important to understand that pleading guilty to the charge or securing an acquittal are not the only two options. Oftentimes it may be in your best interest to try to negotiate for a reduced California DUI charge.

There are three general California DUI charge reductions. The first…and most common…is what’s known as a wet reckless. A “wet reckless” under Vehicle Code 23103 per 23103.5 VC offers less jail time, a shorter probation period, a shorter DUI school, and doesn’t require a mandatory driver’s license suspension.

Continue reading "Understanding California DUI Reductions" »

As many court dockets get clogged with an ever-increasing number of DUI cases, more of them are getting plea bargained. Typically this means a reduction of the charge to a wet reckless, dry reckless, misdemeanor exhibition of speed or even traffic infractions.

Throughout the DUI court process, which may take months and involve several court hearings, prosecutors and defense lawyers negotiate the terms of a plea bargain. Prosecutors want the accused to plead guilty to a DUI and suffer consequences such as fines, DUI school and even jail time. The defense wants to avoid conviction and avoid these consequences.

By fighting a DUI charge and attacking the state's evidence, the defense increases the chances the D.A. or the judge will offer a "better deal." Two primary factors give the accused leverage. The first is the extent to which he can establish DUI defenses that reduce the likelihood of a conviction if the case goes to trial.

Continue reading "DUI Plea Bargaining: Supply & Demand" »