Consequences of Plea Deals in Drunk Driving Cases

Plea deals in drunk driving cases may sound like a good “deal,” but they can actually have more severe consequences. Dean Contover and Board Certified DUI attorney Mike Bowser discuss plea deals in drunk driving cases in this video.

Plea Deals – Are They Worth It?

Dean: I know somebody that years ago, before this change in the law, just pleaded out the two cases and what happens in that case, see, he just pleaded he was young, he didn’t have money for an attorney, he just pleaded. Now, it has consequences.

Mike: I had that case in Springfield yesterday. I was trying an OUI third offense in the Springfield District Court. The gentleman had one, was 18 years old . . ..

Dean: Oh wow.

Mike: Barely over the .02 to limit. He just plead it out for the sake of convenience and then fast forward another 12 years or so, he had a second and he resolved that by pleading it out and then you fast forward another 10 years and he finds himself in Massachusetts. He gets stopped and arrested with an OUI, and under Melanie’s Law, that was a third offense. It was a felony if convicted, and it carries a mandatory jail sentence of 180 days, 150 of which have to be served behind the wall in the House of Correction. These cases under Melanie’s Law, these prior offenses, even the ones that occurred well before the change in the law, they never go away. It’s a lifetime look back. Every OUI disposition on your record from any jurisdiction counts forever.

Dean: What happened to double jeopardy? That doesn’t count here?

Mike: That was litigated. They said I believe the term is, ex post facto. You can’t impose upon someone today with a change in the law, you know, penalties based on what happened 20 or 30 years ago. But they’ve said “No, they can’t do that.” That change in the law was allowed and it did pull into effect old cases. Cases that you might have resolved 10, 15, 20, 30 years ago.

Dean: And you didn’t know any better, and you were younger, and you just plead them out.

Mike: Right.

Dean: So you have to fight for a lot of these people.

Mike: Because of that situation.

Dean: In other words, don’t plead.

Mike: I’m not a plea escort service, as I say. Most of my practice is subsequent offenses; second, third, fourth, offenses. In almost every one of those cases is going to be a trial, because if you plead out, you’re going to jail. The consequences are horrible and when I meet a first offender, I tell them the same thing. “Listen, a first offense can be inconvenient, but a second offense can be life-altering or a third offense.” So I am a strong proponent of not pleading out cases and I would much rather see people go to trial, let the chips fall where they may. I don’t win every case. I win, certainly, a lot more than I lose. I lose my fair share of cases, but I would much rather see people take cases to verdict, take them to trial, and then deal with the consequences after that.

29 years of Proven Results.

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What is the Bowser Law Difference?

There are many attorneys out there, but Mike Bowser stands out as bold, fearless and passionate.

  • Mike Bowser offers a personal touch to personal injury cases. He cares about you and your family and how this tragedy has deeply affected you. He will investigate and personally prepare your case to pursue the maximum compensation for you.
  • Clients who have hired Mike Bowser LOVE him! Take one look at some of his five star reviews and you will know exactly why.
  • Mike Bowser is a ruthless trial attorney who has appropriately received accolades from judges and opposing counsel for his expertise and professionalism.
  • Attorney Bowser has over twenty-five years of experience representing clients injured due to the negligence of another. He has tried several hundred cases successfully to verdict in the District and Superior Courts, including many personal injury jury verdicts that far exceeded the Insurance Company’s last best offer.

29 years of Proven Results.

(888) 526-9737

What is the Bowser Law Difference?

Mike Bowser has unique experience and knowledge which he uses to protect his clients.

  • Mike Bowser is the only Board Certified DUI Defense Specialist who practices in MA, NH & ME. This means he had to pass rigorous examinations and interviews about his knowledge of DUI law to become certified.
  • Because he practices in all three states, Mike Bowser knows how to handle the complications that arise when you are charged as an out of state driver.
  • Clients who have hired Mike Bowser LOVE him! Take one look at his reviews and you will see why Mike Bowser is The Most Reviewed 5 Star DUI Defense Lawyer Practicing in MA, NH & ME!
  • He uses his deep understanding of forensic science to pick apart the evidence against you and looks for errors that he can challenge. He then carefully prepares your case with the goal of highlighting these issues and putting you in the best possible position.
  • He is a ruthless cross-examiner who is at home in the courtroom. Judges, prosecutors, and police officers often praise his professionalism and knowledge.

If you are facing a DUI charge, don’t delay. Call now to setup your
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(888) 526-9737