Top Reasons You Should Take a Plea Deal
If you’ve been charged with a crime, you’re likely feeling in the air. There’s uncertainty, confusion, and fear about what’s going to happen next. Most folks think going to trial is their only choice. But not necessarily. Sometimes, the best thing to do is to take a plea agreement. The Colony criminal defense attorney will typically walk you through the pros and cons. You will discover that a plea bargain can actually be of benefit—faster conclusion, lighter penalty, and a clear direction forward.
Less Jail Time and Lighter Sentencing
A major reason people take a plea bargain is that there might be a lesser sentence. Prosecutors may reduce your charges on the basis of a guilty plea. That is, you could avoid harsh penalties. Instead of endangering several years in prison, you might be given probation or a short term to jail. This kind of deal is common for a first-time offender or someone with charges that are minimal. Even in more severe cases, a plea bargain can even keep you from the max. It’s a realistic way of managing what transpires.
Avoid the Risks of Trial
Trials are random. Even if you know you’re innocent, there isn’t an absolute about a not guilty verdict. Juries are comprised of people. People are prejudiced. Mistakes happen. You could be convicted, even with a strong defense. A plea deal eliminates all of that uncertainty. You’ll know the result ahead of time. This can be reassuring. Sometimes, it’s better to take a lesser charge than to roll the dice and be stuck years in prison.
Save Time and Money
Trials take a long time. They can drag on for months or even years. Meanwhile, you’re stuck. You could lose work, rack up mounting legal bills, and have your life on hold. A plea bargain wraps up your case quickly. It entails fewer court dates, less legal costs, and faster resolution. You can move on with your life sooner than sitting around waiting for a trial that may not go your way.
Save Your Loved Ones
Certain plea deals can protect your family. Prosecutors might even offer a better deal if you agree to exclude others from your case. For example, if there are many individuals in your case, a plea deal can keep charges from spreading to loved ones. That is especially beneficial if you are trying to keep your family away from the public eye or out of legal jeopardy. A plea bargain can deliver that protection.
Have Some Control Over the Result
When you take a plea bargain, you have some ability to control what goes on. You work out the terms with your lawyer. That gives you some control that you won’t have in court. You can take reduced charges, reduced penalties, or even alternatives to jail—like community service or treatment programs. Plea bargains are not perfect, but they will generally give you more control than a judge or jury would.
Minimize the Effect on Your Record
In some cases, a plea bargain can help reduce the long-term impact on your record. When you are charged with a felony, a plea bargain can help you to plead down to a misdemeanor. This may make a huge difference in the future. It can help you to be able to keep your job, rent or own a home, or get loans. A spotless or less bad record creates opportunities. A smart bargain today can make your life easier later.
Talk to the Right Attorney First
You shouldn’t take a plea bargain without knowing what you’re losing. Each case is unique. The facts, the evidence, and your past crimes all come into play. You require sound legal counsel. Reasonable Wilmer criminal defense attorneys understand how to negotiate the best possible deal for your case. They know when to fight and when to settle. Their responsibility is to safeguard you and your future.
Accepting a plea agreement doesn’t equate to admitting defeat. It means you’re opting for a realistic solution. If it can reduce your sentence, drop your charges, and let you get on with your life more quickly, it’s an option to look at. Always consult with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer first. The right guidance can be the difference between winning and losing.