Yes, it is possible to plea bargain a Texas driving while intoxicated (DWI) case. A DWI conviction, even a first offense, comes with significant penalties. This could include jail time, a fine, and a driver’s license suspension. It could cost you $10,000 or more.
In some cases, it may be possible for your attorney to negotiate an agreement with the district attorney where you face reduced charges and a lighter sentence in exchange for your guilty plea. This is a plea bargain. When we review your case, we can determine if you would benefit from this type of agreement.
Understanding Plea Bargain Agreements
Plea bargain agreements come after negotiations between your attorney and a representative from the district attorney’s office. As a part of these negotiations, the district attorney agrees to charge you with a lesser charge. You, in turn, will need to enter a guilty plea in the case. Often this lesser charge is reckless driving or another similar violation.
The reason plea bargains work is because both sides benefit from this type of agreement. If the district attorney has a strong case against you, they may not be willing to agree to a plea bargain. If the agreement they offer does not allow you to avoid the most serious consequences of a drunk driving conviction, there is no reason for us to accept it.
A Plea Bargain for Your DWI Case In Texas Can Help You Avoid Significant Penalties
Under Texas law, you can expect to receive a strong sentence if the courts convict you of a DWI. Your sentence will likely include:
- A driver’s license suspension
- Fines
- Jail time
In comparison, the lesser charge included in many plea bargains — reckless driving — comes with:
- A short driver’s license suspension or no suspension
- Smaller fines
- No jail time
- No history of DWI on their criminal record
Eddington Worley Attorneys Can Help You Fight Texas DWI Charges
A plea bargain is not possible in every DWI case in Texas, but we can build a strong defense strategy in your case. When you enlist our help, we will review the facts of your case, conduct an investigation, and develop a plan to fight the charges against you. This may include attempting to negotiate a plea bargain with prosecutors or otherwise pursuing a lesser charge.
Even if we cannot reach a plea agreement in your case, we have other options for reducing the penalties you may face. We may be able to negotiate a reduced sentence with the Judge in exchange for a guilty plea or convince them to probate your sentence. With probation, you would need to follow the terms the Judge sets for the time they request, and this allows you to avoid jail and possibly other penalties.
Talk to a DWI Defense Attorney in Texas About Your Case
If you recently got arrested or face DWI charges in Texas, Eddington Worley Attorneys can help you fight the charges. We may be able to negotiate a plea bargain or find other options to get a more favorable outcome in your case. Call us today at 855-600-6695 to learn more.
