The Police Offered Me A Plea Bargain: Now What?
[playht_listen_button]We have all made mistakes. Sometimes these mistakes result in criminal charges. Whether it be a DUI or an assault stemming from a fight, criminal charges can seriously derail your life if they are not handled correctly. Additionally, the uncertainty surrounding your criminal matter can make things even worse. The prosecutor handling your case knows this and may make an offer to resolve your criminal charges. These offers (also known as plea bargains) typically involve you pleading guilty in exchange for a reduced punishment. The question then becomes, should you take the deal or roll the dice and head to trial? The answer to that question will depend on a number of factors. Here’s more on plea bargains and what you should consider before deciding to accept or decline one.
What Factors Should I Consider For A Plea Bargain?
Most criminal matters are resolved through a plea bargain. What this means is that the majority of criminal charges do not go to trial, but are disposed of through an agreement between the accused (you) and the prosecutor. This may involve pleading guilty to a lesser charge or to a deferred adjudication. Basically, deferred adjudication is an agreement that your criminal case will be put on hold while you complete certain conditions. This can include community service or simply staying out of trouble for a period of time. Once the conditions have been met, the prosecutor will then withdraw the charges and the matter will end.
Whether a plea bargain is offered will depend on the strength of the evidence against you. If the prosecutor believes that the evidence is weak, then they may make you an offer to avoid going to trial. On the flip side, if the evidence is strong, then you may still receive an offer but with less generous terms. The best way to determine the strength of the case against you is to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Your lawyer will be able to analyze the evidence to determine if taking a deal makes sense for you.
Your criminal history may also be a factor in whether you receive a plea bargain offer. If you have little or no criminal past, then you may be more likely to receive an offer. Conversely, if you have a long rap sheet with multiple convictions, the prosecutor may not offer anything by way of a plea bargain.
What Is Being Offered?
Connected to the strength of the case against you is the terms of the offer itself. An offer that recommends a punishment that is just as severe as what you could receive if you went to trial may not make sense to take. However, offers that significantly reduce your potential sentence may be beneficial if the evidence against you is strong.
Consult With A Lawyer
Only an experienced criminal defense lawyer will be able to look at your case and determine if accepting, or rejecting, a proposed deal makes sense for you. Your lawyer will be able to draw on their extensive courtroom knowledge to make a recommendation on whether you should take a plea deal. While trials are there to be won, if the deck is stacked against you, then the smart play may be to take the offer on the table.
The criminal defense lawyers at My Rights Law are here for you in your criminal case. We will carefully evaluate the charges that have been brought against you, and will help you determine whether the plea agreement that the prosecutor offers is a pile of garbage or a pot of gold. Don’t make the mistake of gambling on your future. Instead, call My Rights Law at (888) 702-8882 or contact us online for a consultation with our compassionate and helpful criminal defense team today.