A specific type of plea bargain in driving under the influence (DUI) cases is sometimes referred to as a reduced charge. This occurs when the prosecution agrees to drop the DUI charge in exchange for a guilty plea to a lesser offense. An example would be accepting responsibility for reckless driving involving alcohol.
This resolution offers several potential advantages over a DUI conviction. Penalties are often less severe, resulting in reduced fines, shorter license suspensions, and less impact on insurance rates. Furthermore, it avoids the mandatory alcohol education programs and potential jail time frequently associated with DUI convictions. Historically, this type of agreement provided a compromise in cases where the evidence for a DUI conviction was questionable or mitigating circumstances existed.