A DUI charge is considered a misdemeanor in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. If you’re convicted of a DUI for the first time, you may face hundreds of dollars in fines, mandated alcohol or drug classes, and even jail or probation. Having a criminal record with a DUI conviction could have potentially costly implications on your future employment opportunities and other areas of your life.
If you’re facing DUI charges in Montgomery County, a knowledgeable DUI defense lawyer will attempt to have all charges dismissed. When that is not feasible, a plea deal may reduce a DUI charge to a lesser offense, like careless or reckless driving, but these instances are very rare. A skilled Montgomery County DUI defense lawyer from Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C. can help decide if this option may work for your case.
Plea Deals in Montgomery County DUI Cases
A plea deal occurs when the prosecution offers to reduce the initial DUI offense in exchange for a guilty plea to a lesser offense subject to less severe penalties. These are very rare, and only happen when you are represented by a truly experienced DUI attorney. If the government has some truly significant problem with their evidence, the prosecution may offer a defendant a chance to plead guilty to careless or reckless driving, both non-DUI charges with reduced penalties. You may even be entitled to certain alternative disposition options, such as the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program.
The district attorney will weigh the following factors to decide whether to accept a plea deal to reduced DUI charges in Montgomery County:
- Whether it’s your first DUI offense or a repeat offense
- Your criminal background concerning traffic violations
- How close your BAC was to the legal limit of .08 percent at the time of your arrest
- Whether you caused an accident at the time of your DUI arrest
- Aggravating factors that may further incriminate you, such as an open container or resisting arrest
- The level of difficulty the prosecution perceives in proving you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt
If you have a clean prior record, your BAC was close to .08 percent, and no aggravating factors apply to your case, the prosecution may likely consider a plea deal.
Potential Penalties for Reckless Driving Charges
If your DUI charge is lowered to reckless driving, the legal implications are less harsh than a standard DUI conviction. Even with a prior DUI conviction on your record, there’s still a possibility of pleading your DUI charge down. However, the odds are significantly reduced. That especially applies if little time has passed between the two DUI arrests.
If your DUI charge is reduced to reckless driving, the implication on your criminal record is less severe than a DUI conviction because it is a summary offense, rather than a misdemeanor offense. However, reckless driving results in a 6-month driver’s license suspension, so that may not be a preferable outcome for some DUI defendants. Nuances like this show how important it is to secure representation from an attorney who is truly experienced in handling DUI cases in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Let a Montgomery County DUI Defense Attorney Help You
Getting your DUI charge reduced to a reckless driving charge is not as straightforward as it may seem. It is usually something that requires the legal assistance of a skilled DUI defense lawyer. If you decide to represent yourself rather than hire a lawyer, you can request the plea deal. However, the chances for success are considerably less without the knowledge and experience of a DUI attorney.
A DUI conviction is nothing to be taken lightly, owing to the hefty monetary penalties in conjunction with the compulsory license suspension. Losing your driver’s license alone can drastically alter your entire routine concerning your employment, school, and more. Hiring a DUI lawyer provides you the best chance to reduce your DUI charge and get back to normalcy in your life.
Consult a Montgomery County DUI Lawyer about Reducing DUI Charges Today
With the skilled representation of the Montgomery County, PA law firm Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C., it may be possible to negotiate reduced charges and lighter sentences in your DUI case. Our accomplished DUI defense attorneys have been able to get our clients’ DUI charges dropped in many cases.
For over 65 years, our firm has zealously advocated for our clients’ best interests across Southeastern Pennsylvania. To schedule a free case review and speak with a seasoned DUI defense lawyer today about your situation, complete a contact form or call (215) 822-7575.
