What is a Plea Deal, and Why May it Be Relevant to My Criminal Case?

 Posted on March 29, 2023 in Criminal Defense

A plea deal, sometimes called a plea bargain or plea agreement, is a legal arrangement between the defendant and the prosecution in a criminal case. It involves the defendant agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser charge or one of several charges in exchange for concessions from the prosecutor. Plea deals can be a strategic option for defendants and prosecutors, as they can save time and resources and avoid the uncertainty of going to trial. Today, we will further explore the concept of a plea deal and why such a deal may be relevant to your criminal case. Remember, if you are facing criminal charges, contact a criminal defense attorney to understand your legal rights and options moving forward.

Further Explaining What a Plea Deal Is 

A plea deal is an agreement between the defense and the prosecution in which the defendant pleads guilty or no contest to one or more charges in exchange for a more lenient sentence, reduced charges, or other concessions. Plea deals are often negotiated between the defense attorney and the prosecutor, and a judge must approve them. For the sake of this blog, we will be discussing three types of plea deals, including:

• Charge bargaining – The defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge, potentially resulting in a lighter sentence or reduced penalties.

• Sentence bargaining – The defendant pleads guilty to the original charge, but the prosecutor agrees to recommend a lighter sentence to the judge.

• Fact bargaining – The defendant agrees to stipulate specific facts, and the prosecutor agrees not to introduce additional evidence or charges based on those facts.

Why Plea Deals May Be Relevant to Your Criminal Case

There are several reasons why a plea deal may be relevant to your criminal case, including:

• Reduced risk – Trials can be highly unpredictable, and there is always a risk that a jury may find the defendant guilty of the most severe charges. A plea deal can provide some certainty by allowing the defendant to accept a known outcome and avoid more severe punishment.

• Time and resource savings – Trials can be lengthy and expensive, both for the defendant and the court system. By accepting a plea deal, the defendant can save time and resources that would be spent on legal fees and other trial-related expenses.

• Favorable sentencing – A plea deal can result in a lighter sentence or reduced charges, which can be particularly beneficial if the defendant faces severe penalties or a significant trial conviction risk.

• Expedited resolution – Accepting a plea deal can lead to a faster case resolution, allowing the defendant to move on with their life more quickly.

Contact a Salt Lake City Criminal Defense Attorney

Contact the Davis County criminal defense lawyers with Collins Rupp, P.C. for highly qualified legal representation. Call 385-777-2753 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/plea-bargaining/Benefits-of-plea-bargaining