A person who’s facing criminal charges has to determine how they will handle their defense. Most will plead not guilty when they’re initially charged. This gives them a chance to consult with their attorney and learn the options they have.
For some people, one of these is a plea bargain.
Why should you consider a plea deal?
A plea deal can take some of the uncertainty out of a criminal trial. The prosecutor will often discuss a specific sentence recommendation with your attorney. This will likely be lower than the maximum sentence you’re facing. It might even be possible to plead guilty to a lesser charge than the one you’re currently facing.
When is a plea bargain a bad idea?
You should only agree to a plea bargain if you committed the crime. Remember, once you enter into the plea deal, you can’t appeal the plea or any component of the deal, including the sentence you receive. You also have to deeply consider the consequences that a criminal conviction will have on your life because a plea deal is legally the same as a conviction.
Prosecutors like plea deals because they count as a “win” in their books. Courts like them because they keep the wheels of justice turning and don’t take up a lot of time or money. But that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily right for your case. Your attorney can help you to learn what you need to know to make an informed decision. Try to find this out as soon as possible in your criminal case since some components of the plea deal might be time-sensitive.
