A News 12 Long Island-Hofstra University poll released Tuesday indicates less than half of LI residents are in favor of eliminating plea bargains in drunk driving cases.

The poll asked whether people would be in favor or opposed to disallowing plea bargains for those accused of driving under the influence of alcohol. Approximately 40 percent of respondents said they were in favor of ending the deals, while 49 percent stood in opposition. Eleven percent was undecided.

Supporters of eliminating plea bargains say the crime has such horrific potential consequences and the repeat offender incidence of DWI is so high that each offender should be punished accordingly. Critics say they also believe driving while intoxicated is terrible, but sending every suspect to trial would tie up the court system.

Nassau and Suffolk officials report more than 9,000 incidents of drunk driving occur every year.