What You Need to Know About Getting a Better Plea Bargain
A plea bargain is an agreement between the prosecutors and defendants in which the defendant pleads guilty to avoid trial and possibly reduce a lengthy sentence. Here is how to get a better plea bargain.
Types of Plea Bargains
The type of plea bargains offered to a defendant is often determined by the severity of the case and the defendant’s criminal history. There are several types of plea bargains, including but not limited to:
- Charge bargain
- Court bargain
- Fact bargain
- Sentence bargain
Related: Charged With a Misdemeanor? Here’s What to Do
Pros and Cons of a Plea Bargain
Typically, defendants can avoid the worst-case scenario of receiving the maximum sentence by accepting a plea bargain. Defendants may also receive a reduced charge in exchange for the plea bargain. In the financial aspect, defendants can skip a lengthy trial that can be expensive.
However, the defendant should consider the disadvantages of the plea bargain before making the decision. Once the defendants accept the plea bargain, they lose the chance of being found not guilty. In some cases, defendants agree to plead guilty because they were actually guilty of the crime. In other cases, defendants may plead guilty due to tremendous fear or pressure. By pleading guilty, defendants lose the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Related: Can a Criminal Record Affect My Job Application?
How to Get a Better Plea Bargain
Usually, defendants can negotiate lighter sentences or reduced charges through effective plea bargaining. Here are some ways to get a better plea bargain:
- Find a professional to represent you, whether a lawyer or a public defender;
- Find what kind of plea bargain to expect;
- Check the “standard deal” of similar cases;
- Learn about your judge’s reputation and whether or not they are lenient in similar cases;
- Understand the strengths and weaknesses of your case to assess whether the plea bargain is a good deal;
- Do not accept the plea bargain too quickly since prosecutors often intimidate defendants by overcharging them at first.
- Defendants should negotiate calmly with their attorneys.
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