One of the most challenging aspects of facing a criminal charge is trying to determine what sentence is possible if you’re convicted. This isn’t always easy to determine, and some criminal cases can take a long time to work through the court system to the final resolution.
If you’re facing criminal charges, you may be approached about a potential plea agreement. This is an agreement between the defense and the prosecution that includes a specific plea, usually guilty or no contest, from the defendant in exchange for specific recommendations or concessions from the prosecution. You should only entertain the idea of a plea deal if you admit that you did the crime.
What points may be included in a plea deal?
Plea deals typically allow a case to avoid trial. Some plea deals result in a specific sentence for the defendant. Others include a reduction of charges to something less serious than the initial charges. In rare cases, plea deals can include specific points about how evidence will be handled in a trial.
What should you consider regarding a plea deal?
Before the court accepts the plea deal, the judge will ask you questions to determine if you entered into the agreement voluntarily. Besides considering the ultimate outcome of the case, you also need to remember that you won’t have the option to appeal the plea deal.
Consulting with someone familiar with these cases may help you to determine if a plea deal is in your best interest. Prosecutors typically only deal with defense attorneys, so having one on your side can be beneficial.