What is a Plea Bargain, and Should I Accept One?

If you have been charged with a crime, you may be worried about the outcome. You may not want to go to court. The good news is that you may not have to go through a trial.

This is because prosecutors will often offer plea bargains to defendants. Plea bargains, also known as plea deals, are agreements between defendants and prosecutors in which defendants plead guilty to the charges against them. In exchange, they receive certain benefits, such as reduced charges. As many as 95% of criminal cases result in plea bargaining. These agreements are beneficial to prosecutors as well, as they allow them to focus their time and resources on other cases.

You should know that some plea bargains may ask you to do more than simply plead guilty. For example, you may also have to agree to testify for the state in cases against other defendants.

Plea bargains can result in:

• Lighter sentencing.
• Probation or deferred prosecution.
• Faster resolution.
• Predictable outcomes.

However, a plea bargain is not all good. You could still have a criminal conviction on your record. Plus, you will get immediate sentencing with no chance to fight the charges. Plus, keep in mind that even if you accept a plea bargain, the judge may not accept it and insist on increased criminal penalties.

Should I Take a Plea Bargain?

Plea bargains are personal decisions that should be discussed with a criminal defense lawyer. Whether or not you should take one will depend on your individual circumstances and what the details are surrounding the plea bargain. What will you get out of it?

Many people accept plea bargains because being convicted of a crime can have far-reaching consequences. A trial and possible conviction could impact your personal life in many ways, but that’s not all. Some people do not understand that a criminal conviction can also affect their ability to find a job and housing. It also impacts your reputation and relationships. Taking a plea deal may help you avoid some of these consequences.

However, plea bargains tend to be controversial, as many people feel they allow defendants to shirk responsibility for the crimes they have committed. Others feel that plea bargains allow people to lose out on important constitutional rights. Plea bargaining requires defendants to waive their Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights, which include the right to a jury trial, the right against self-incrimination, and the right to confront witnesses.

Contact Us Today

A plea bargain often comes with benefits, but you need to weigh the pros and cons carefully.

If you have been arrested, you need to seek legal help right away. A Cherry Hill criminal defense lawyer from The Law Offices of Christopher St. John can help you understand whether you should accept a plea bargain. We offer experienced legal representation that will fight to protect your rights. Schedule a consultation by calling (856) 716-5427 or filling out the online form.