Is a Plea Deal Right for You? What Defendants Should Know
If you’re dealing with criminal charges, you already know that the status of your case can change from day to day. This means that the potential outcomes of your case are likely to change as your case develops and your criminal defense attorney negotiates on your behalf. One option that’s likely to be presented to you at some point is a plea deal. Our criminal defense law firm can help you decide whether or not a deal is the right option for you.
Choosing the right law firm for your defense case is critical. At Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, we fight to protect our clients’ civil rights and freedoms as they face criminal accusations. Our team of criminal defense attorneys works cohesively to handle all types of legal matters, giving our clients access to an unmatched body of experience and knowledge. Call us at 909-894-0812 to explore your options in a criminal case.
Pros and Cons of Accepting a Plea Deal
A plea deal is essentially an agreement that allows you to plead guilty to lesser charges (or perhaps one of multiple charges) in exchange for leniency from the prosecutor. By agreeing to plead guilty, you ensure that the prosecutor has a conviction on their record, which looks good for them—but you also avoid the risk of being found guilty of more severe charges.
Deciding whether or not to accept a plea deal largely comes down to your specific situation, which is why we recommend working with a criminal defense lawyer. The main benefit of a plea deal is that it generally results in a reduced sentence compared to what you would face if you were found guilty in court. You may pay less in fines, spend less time in jail, or go through rehabilitation or probation in lieu of imprisonment. Additionally, going this route allows you to wrap up your case more quickly and avoid the stress that comes with a trial.
Of course, there are also downsides to a plea deal. You will have a criminal record due to pleading guilty. This also means that you don’t get the chance to make your case before the court and prove your innocence. Pleading guilty and having a criminal record could negatively impact you financially, harm your reputation, and limit your career options in the future.
How Plea Deals Work
There are a few different types of plea bargains in California. If you agree to a charge bargain, you plead guilty to a lower charge than what you were sentenced with. Sentence bargaining requires you to plead guilty in exchange for a more lenient sentence recommendation from the prosecution. You may also be offered a count bargain if you are facing multiple criminal charges. This allows you to plead guilty to some charges, and in exchange, others are dismissed.
The process generally begins with the prosecution offering a plea deal to the accused. Your criminal defense attorney will present the terms of the plea deal to you, explain how it will work, and go into greater detail about what it means for your freedom and criminal record. From there, your criminal defense lawyer will give their professional recommendation about whether or not it’s a good deal.
If it’s a solid offer but not quite where you need it to be, your attorney may negotiate further on your behalf. If they are successful, they may be able to secure more favorable terms for you.
Once you come to an agreement, the plea deal is presented to the judge. They still have to sign off on the deal and they have the right to reject it if they do not think it is just.
If you agree to a plea deal, know that you are not “taking the easy way out.” In fact, the majority of criminal cases in California never go to trial. However, you can also choose to refuse a plea deal if making your case in court is important to you.
Reach Out to Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox Today
The team at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox is here to help you navigate your criminal charges. Let’s discuss your options now; call our criminal defense law firm at 909-894-0812 or reach out online to set up a confidential consultation.
Stephen Levine, is a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Defense — an honor achieved by only the top criminal law attorneys in California. Mr. Levine has over 40 years of experience in criminal defense and family law serving Southern California, and is a highly regarded Super Lawyer as well as AV Rated attorney.