Taking The Stress Out Of Hiring A Criminal Attorney

Arrested? How To Cope With A Plea Bargain Offer

20 July 2023 by Jared Matthews

A plea bargain is a contract offered to some defendants after being charged with a crime. The defendant will plead guilty to a reduced charge in place of taking the case to court. Plea bargains are a common part of the criminal justice system, and they can be a way for defendants to avoid a trial and the possibility of a harsher sentence.

What to Know

Here are some of the things that defendants should consider when presented with a plea bargain:

• The severity of the charges: If the charges against the defendant are serious, they may want to consider taking their chances at trial. However, if the charges are not as serious, a plea bargain may be a good option.
• The quality and quantity of the evidence: In many cases, a defendant is offered a plea bargain because the prosecutor's office is concerned that the evidence to convict is too weak to stand up in court. 
• The potential sentence: Defendants should understand the potential sentence they face if they are convicted at trial. If the potential sentence is very harsh, a plea bargain may be a way to avoid it.
• The likelihood of conviction: Defendants should also consider the likelihood of conviction at trial. If they believe that they are likely to be convicted, a plea bargain may be a good option.
• The terms of the plea bargain: Defendants should carefully review the terms of the plea bargain before agreeing to it. They should make sure that they understand the charges they are pleading guilty to, the sentence they are facing, and any other terms of the agreement.

Pros and Cons of Plea Bargains

Here are some of the pros and cons of plea bargains:

Pros:

• Can avoid a trial.
• Can result in a more lenient sentence.
• Can provide closure for the defendant.

Cons:

• May not be in the best interests of the defendant.
• May result in a conviction for a crime the defendant did not commit.
• May limit the defendant's ability to appeal their conviction.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to accept a plea bargain is a personal one. Defendants should carefully consider all their options before making a decision.

If a defendant is considering a plea bargain, they should speak to an attorney. An attorney can help the defendant understand the charges against them, the potential sentence, and the terms of the plea bargain. The attorney can also help the defendant negotiate a better plea bargain.

For more info, contact a local criminal defense lawyer. 

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