People who are facing criminal charges often want to get them resolved quickly and in their favor. Most people know that having to go through a trial can take a while because the court system is so backed up. Plus, there’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding a trial.
Some people who are facing criminal charges opt to try to work out a plea deal. This is an agreement between the defense and the prosecution to resolve the case. There are several areas that can be negotiated, but defendants who are considering this should ensure taking a plea is actually in their best interests.
How does a plea deal work?
As part of the plea deal, the defendant has to plead either guilty or no contest to one or more specific charges. These may be the original ones in the case; however, they may be lesser charges than the original ones the person was facing.
In exchange for their plea, the defendant may receive a lighter sentence, such as being put on probation instead of being incarcerated. Because there are negotiations for the terms of these deals, the defendant will have input about the sentence they’ll face.
Before entering into a plea deal, the defendant should realize that they lose the right to appeal the conviction and sentence when they enter into a plea deal. Because of the intricacies that come with a plea deal, any defendant considering one should discuss their case with someone familiar with their side of the situation so they can make decisions in their best interests.