Facing a DUI charge is often a frightening and overwhelming experience. The prospect of potential criminal penalties and the impact on your personal and professional life can leave you feeling anxious and uncertain about the future. However, you have options when it comes to resolving your case. One of the most common ways to reach a resolution is through a plea bargain.

At Schlosser & Pritchett, our experienced Greensboro DUI defense attorneys are here to guide you through the plea bargaining process and fight for the most favorable outcome possible in your DUI case. Contact us today for a compassionate and strategic approach to your defense.

What Is a Plea Bargain in a DUI Case?

A plea bargain is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecutor to resolve a criminal case without going to trial. In DUI cases, this typically involves pleading guilty or no contest to a lesser charge or receiving a reduced sentence. The benefit of a plea bargain is that you avoid the uncertainty and cost of trial—and often secure a more favorable outcome. These negotiations are common in Guilford County courts and usually take place after both the prosecution and defense have reviewed a case.

Types of Plea Bargains in Greensboro DUI Cases

• Charge Reduction: The DUI charge may be reduced to a lesser offense, such as reckless driving (sometimes called “wet reckless”).
• Sentence Reduction: The Plea may include probation instead of jail time or community service instead of fines.
• Deferred Prosecution/First-Offender Programs: Some eligible defendants may be offered alternatives that allow them to complete certain conditions in exchange for dismissal.
• Conditional Pleas: Agreements based on completion of alcohol education, driving school, or treatment programs.

Plea bargains vary by case and depend on criminal history, BAC level, presence of aggravating factors, and more. The skills and knowledge of your Greensboro DUI defense lawyer can also impact your ability to get a plea bargain and the type of plea bargain you can get.

When Is a Plea Bargain in Your Best Interest?

Not every case should go to trial—some DUI charges carry strong evidence that may be hard to beat. A plea bargain may be worth considering when:

• The evidence includes a high BAC or field sobriety test results.
• There are prior offenses or aggravating factors that increase sentencing risk.
• The prosecution offers a deal that avoids jail or license suspension.

Our skilled Greensboro DUI defense attorneys will weigh the evidence, consult with the prosecution, and help you decide if accepting a plea is better than taking your case to court.

How Schlosser & Pritchett Negotiates DUI Pleas

Our Greensboro DUI defense attorneys at Schlosser & Pritchett begin by carefully analyzing every detail of the case—traffic stop legality, testing procedures, and constitutional issues. We look for weaknesses in the state’s case, such as improper administration of field sobriety tests, unreliable breathalyzer equipment, or lack of probable cause. When appropriate, we use these issues to push for reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or dismissal.

Our Greensboro DUI defense lawyers approach plea deals as strategic tools, not automatic outcomes. Our goal is always to protect your record and minimize penalties.

What Happens After a Plea Is Accepted?

Once a plea agreement is reached, it must be presented and approved by the court. The judge will ask questions to ensure the plea is voluntary, informed, and truthful. Sentencing will then occur in line with the terms of the agreement. If the plea includes probation, classes, or community service, failure to comply can result in further penalties. A plea deal becomes part of your criminal record, though certain reduced charges may be eligible for expungement later under North Carolina law.

Can You Still Fight the Charges If a Plea Isn’t Offered?

Yes—if no acceptable plea is on the table or if the evidence is weak, going to trial may be the better option. Our team of Greensboro DUI defense lawyers is always ready to litigate when it’s in your best interest. We evaluate every case with both short-term outcomes and long-term consequences in mind. You should never feel pressured into a plea—your attorney should explain all your options and let you make an informed decision.

Are You Facing a DUI Charge? Contact the Greensboro DUI Defense Attorneys at Schlosser & Pritchett Today

A DUI charge in Greensboro doesn’t always mean going to trial or facing the harshest penalties. With the right legal strategy, a plea bargain may help you move forward with fewer long-term consequences. At Schlosser & Pritchett, we’ve successfully resolved hundreds of DUI cases through smart negotiation and aggressive defense. Contact us today at (336) 292-4076 for a confidential consultation to discuss your DUI charge and learn whether a plea agreement might be the best path forward.