Are DUI charges more severe if you move to trial opposed to a plea in court? I'm represented by a P.D who advised against trial

Follow the P.D. s advice. Trial outcomes are uncertain whereas in a plea you can somewhat control your outcome.

You should listen to your PD.

First of all after trial typically the sentence is more severe as opposed to pleading out prior to a trial. That being said it appears that your trial court judge has indicated that he believes there are facts and circumstances in your case in your favor that's why he suggested that the prosecutor offer you a wet reckless. Your lawyer can renew their motion to suppress for no basis for the traffic stop in trial but that is a legal argument. That's not something that would be argued to the jury to get your case dismissed rather it may be an argument that you were not impaired. Two things are in your favor. One the judge appears to be not impressed with the states case. Secondly as the trial date approaches the prosecutor may take the advice of the judge and offer you a reckless driving disposition. Best of luck.

You wrote "CHP video shows no traffic violations as documented on police report or supporting officers testimony about the reason to stop" Now if I break this down, I understand SEPARATELY that you did a motion to suppress? and that: (a) no traffic violations on video; (b) nothing on video? to support "testimony about reason for stop"? If there was a reason for stop and there was evidence (testimony of the officer) and the PD took him on cross and was not successful? to suppress?(assuming it was your motion), then you need to possibly think about: (a) whether the suppression was fully developed at trial and whether it can be developed further for appeal (b) hiring a really excellent attorney with the full monty of experts. DUI is a question of impairment. Having a trial is about going before a jury. Without experts, there is NO ONE to make the link between impairment and the BAC level (and thus illustrate doubt). The blood test is pretty solid, and breathylizer is less so (due to many factors). The point is that if you really want to fight this, you need a really good lawyer who will hire REALLY GOOD experts. Here is an example. I am a chemical engineer and can go on all day about testing error, but as a lawyer I can't testify about it. I can only get data and facts and DOUBT into evidence through an expert. Its not enough that the lawyer knows it, but the expert has to tell it to the jury. A good lawyer plays to win. Winning is its own reward. You think your PD will spend $5k on a primo impairment pharmocological and breathylizer expert and play to win? This is just a question of whether you are willing to invest to keep your record clean. Remember, a PD does a good job at the perfunctory stuff. But they are in front of the same judge every day. If a PD were to go hard core and spend what is needed and try every case, and set out to win every case no matter what, what do YOU think the outcome would be in terms of his working relationship with the judge and DA? DUI needs to be kept off your record. One of my kids bosses had a DUI and thought he'd fly to Canada. OOps! Prior DUI action --> denied airport entry. Does what I have said make any sense?

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I can only assume you are being represented by a PD as a last choice, and as a result of limited financial resources. As discussed, mounting a defense can be a considerable cost if done correctly. Without investing in your defense, the option of trial is likely a loosing proposition. You risk the harshest punishments by taking the matter to trial, and unless you are willing to really Lawyer Up and get some experienced experts on your side, your best option may be to simply listen to your PD.