For many people facing criminal charges, proving their innocence is their top priority. They do not want a criminal record to haunt them for life or for others to believe that they knowingly violated the law. However, a large percentage of criminal cases lead to plea bargains rather than trials. Defendants may choose to work with a lawyer to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor’s office.
What makes plea bargaining so attractive to many people facing serious criminal accusations?
Plea deals limit consequences
Prosecutors frequently bring the most serious charges they can justify against defendants. They may also push for the harshest penalties possible under the law. Going to trial leaves a defendant vulnerable to the whims of a jury regarding their guilt and the sentence they may serve after a conviction.
Plea bargaining helps control the aftermath of criminal charges. Defense attorneys can negotiate arrangements in which the state reduces the charges to lesser offenses or drops multiple charges to pursue only one charge.
Prosecutors may also agree to limit the penalties imposed after a conviction. For example, a plea bargain could result in an agreement that the defendant should face financial penalties and probation, not incarceration. For many, plea bargains are the fastest way to protect themselves and resolve pending criminal charges.
Discussing the state’s case and the possible consequences of a conviction with a skilled legal team can help defendants explore their options. Those concerned about a conviction for a felony offense or the worst penalties possible may want to consider negotiating with the prosecution instead of preparing a trial-based criminal defense strategy. A plea bargain is sometimes a viable solution for those who do not want their cases to go to trial.