First DUI charge but they have me down for reckless driving and negligent driving among other charges. will pleading guilty help

Is that better than guilty on all the charges? Of course. But not guilty on the DUI is better yet. Often people think that because it isn’t a murder case, a drunk driving case is simple. Nothing could be further from the truth. These cases can be among the most complex a criminal defense lawyer handles. The government is willing to spend an incredible amount of money to convict you though. They will have expert witnesses available for consultation and trial. That you have been charged or that some contraption says your alcohol level was at a certain level does not mean that you are guilty. It certainly does not mean that you can be proven guilty using competent, valid evidence. Field sobriety “tests” are designed to give police a reason to arrest. You cannot “pass” them. The police will admit that almost a third of healthy young adults who take these tests without any alcohol will be judged to be “under the influence” – and that assumes they are properly administered! After even a first drunk driving conviction, you may face employment discrimination. You will certainly be charged higher for insurance. Having such a conviction will also make you a target for drunk driving arrest in future interactions with police. You will automatically become a suspect. You will want a lawyer who is familiar with field sobriety “tests,” perhaps one who is certified to administer these tests. You will want a lawyer familiar with the weaknesses of the contraptions that are used to report alcohol or drug levels. You want an experienced trial lawyer, used to cross-examining police officers. Police officers are practiced, experienced witnesses. That is, you want an experienced drunk driving defense lawyer, whether you call the offense DUI, OWI, DWI, OUI, or drugged driving. If any answer on helps you, mine or someone else’s, please mark it as "helpful" or "best answer" to help know which answers to show others. Thank you. --- Experienced DUI/DWI/OWI/Drunk Driving Lawyer in Madison, Wisconsin http://addbalance.com/drunk_driving_lawyer.htm --- Facebook Page Madison (Dane County) Wisconsin Drunk Driving / OWI / DWI / DUI Lawyer http://www.facebook.com/MadisonWiDrunkDrivingLawyer --- Field sobriety "tests" – Madison (Dane County) Wisconsin DUI / DWI / OWI / Drunk Driving lawyer http://addbalance.com/fieldsobrietytests.htm --- Drugged Driving/DUI/DWI/Drunk Driving with Prescription Drugs – Madison (Dane County) Wisconsin http://addbalance.com/duidrugs.htm --- Which Offenses Count as Priors in Wisconsin? - Madison Dane County Wisconsin DUI OWI Drunk Driving Lawyer answers http://addbalance.com/duimath.htm --- Ten Days to Save Your License - Administrative Suspension and Refusals in Madison (Dane County) Wisconsin http://addbalance.com/duitendaywarning.htm DISCLAIMER: Confidential information should not be disclosed in this Internet forum. I am an experienced Wisconsin drunk driving (DUI/OWI/DWI) defense lawyer practicing in Madison (Dane County) Wisconsin. The laws in each jurisdiction can be very different. I cannot give legal advice over the Internet nor can I establish an attorney client relationship with you. If something I say disagrees with what your own lawyer is telling you, you should rely on your lawyer who is familiar with you, your entire case, the local courts and practices. To deal with a legal problem, nothing is better than to consult with a lawyer who will give you some time and advice. If you cannot afford an attorney, there should be agencies in your area that can provide discounted, or even free, legal services. This Answer is provided for general educational purposes only. See “more” link below for more important information about this answer and .

Who told you? Your lawyer, after review of the case against you and discussions with the prosecutor? Then follow his/her advice. If this is a first offense, you will likely receive a "pbj" disposition, meaning the guilty finding will be stricken, you will have no conviction and the DUI will not appear on your driving record (meaning no points as well--and no further consequences to your privilege to drive). You will be on probation and have to take an alcohol program. If the evidence against you did not provide for a good legal defense, then this would be a very good deal. But not being privy to the evidence against you, your prior record, or the posture of the case, it is not possible to evaluate the plea offer and recommend a choice. You should only follow the advice of your retained counsel.

You need to have the expert advice of a skilled DUI lawyer. Don't take any plea until someone has evaluated your situation. Get help with this.

If your charges are recent, contact an attorney right away as you have certain rights that have time deadlines with MVA. Your proposed result is possible but it is way to early to address that. (Unless you have trial now) You need to review the whole thing and get an understanding for the process and the possibilities. I prefer to prepare for trial no matter what and work backwards. Most of theses cases in District Court don't get offers until the trial date. That offer will most likely still be available.Call for a short discussion if you like. Good luck. Ed Tydings 301-670-3020

Do not plead guilty to anything until you have an attorney who is experienced in DUI defense review your case. You did not state who told you about the plea offer. If was a prosecutor, remember that he/she is not your attorney. The prosecutor is seeking a conviction on the most punitive charge

You should seek a confidential consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney before you do anything. If you plead guilty you might be locked up and sentenced to jail for a year. In DUI cases judges expect a person to have had an alcohol evaluation and completed treatment. Also, you might want to have the evidence against you reviewed, in order to be certain that the state can prove the charges.