When you are navigating criminal charges, there’s one goal in mind: reducing the potential penalty. A plea bargain can be a way to find a resolution with the prosecution without having the uncertainty of a jury decision.
There are reasons why plea bargaining can be a good strategy, depending on your situation. But there are also potential disadvantages that also must be considered. The best thing you can do is consult with a criminal defense attorney to identify the ideal pathway forward for your unique needs. Every case is different, which is why it’s critical to weigh the pros and cons of a plea bargain.
Plea Bargain: How it Works
If you decide to use a plea bargain, it means that as a defendant in a criminal case, you are coming to an agreement with the prosecutor. You have the opportunity to plead guilty in exchange for a lesser charge and/or punishment.
For example, you might plead guilty in exchange for the prosecution reducing the charge from a felony to a misdemeanor. Or, you could have a shorter sentence for time in prison – 10 years instead of 20 years.
Pros of Plea Bargaining
Some of the benefits of plea bargaining include:
·You have certainty in the sentencing instead of waiting to see what a jury will decide.
Many people save money on criminal attorney fees because you cut out the need to go through a lengthy court process.
The timeline is faster, giving you a quicker resolution for the situation. As a result, you can move forward in your life sooner.
Plea bargaining reduces the strain on the court system by decreasing the number of criminal cases that go to trial.
Cons of Plea Bargaining
A few of the potential drawbacks of plea bargaining include:
Defendants who are innocent sometimes feel motivated to plead guilty because it seems like the best way to handle the situation.
Some people feel that plea bargaining reduces the quality of police investigations because law enforcement relies on making deals.
Plea bargaining could interfere with a person’s constitutional rights to a trial by jury.
A plea bargain leaves you with a criminal record, whereas being found not guilty through a trial could leave you with a clear record.
Criminal Defense Services
If you are facing criminal charges, then it’s essential to have an attorney to support this process. Call Miles & Hatcher, LLP to learn more about available services: (909) 481-4080.