Plea Bargains vs. Going To Trial

Having legal issues can disrupt your life in a big way. It’s important to have attorneys who understand your needs and represent your best interests. In some cases, that might involve negotiating a plea, also called plea bargaining. At Brennan Law Offices, we have experienced Philadelphia assault lawyers ready to come to your aid. Whether that means assembling the evidence to take your case to court or preparing you for a plea bargain, our team will walk you through each step along the way.

What Is a Plea Bargain?

A plea bargain is a written agreement between the defendant and the prosecution. When entering a plea bargain, the defendant agrees to plead guilty. In exchange, the prosecution may lower the severity of the charges or offer a less severe sentence. Although it’s not ideal, it may benefit you to consider a plea bargain if the prosecution has a strong case against you. Your Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer can help you weigh the pros and cons before you make a final decision.

There are many reasons your attorney may recommend a plea bargain. It all depends on the circumstances of your case. Below, find key scenarios in which your lawyer may recommend negotiating a plea.

The Prosecution Has Overwhelming Evidence Against You

Whether you’re guilty or innocent, your attorney will consider the case the prosecution has against you. After weighing all the circumstances, your criminal defense attorney will make the best possible recommendation for your future. When overwhelming evidence is stacked against you, a plea bargain can protect you from the worst-case scenario. If you are unlikely to win the trial, your attorney will help you get the best deal possible.

The prosecutor may have weak areas in their case, so they will offer reduced charges. Our attorneys will always respect your wishes regarding whether or not you would like to accept a plea bargain. However, you’ll always get an honest answer based on the facts.

What Are the Benefits of a Plea Bargain?

There are many benefits to accepting a plea bargain under the right circumstances. Some of these benefits include the following:

• Less jail time: Plea bargains often take years off of recommended sentences.
• Settle out of court: Criminal defense trials can drag on and cost thousands of dollars. Accepting a plea bargain can spare you from the emotional trauma of a court case. It could also end up saving you money.
• Reduced charges: If you agree to plead guilty to lesser charges, you could end up with a shorter sentence and less severe charges on your record.

If there are other defendants involved in the criminal case, the prosecution may ask you to testify against them. In return, they may offer a plea bargain.

When Should You Walk Away from a Plea Bargain?

If your criminal defense attorney believes that the prosecution has little evidence, they may recommend fighting it out in court. Alternatively, if the plea bargain doesn’t offer significant benefits, you could be better off going to trial.

Your attorney acts as a guide through the legal process. Your defense attorney will advocate for options that promote your best interest. You will also receive all the information needed to make the best decision for your future.

Examples Where a Plea Bargain Is the Best Option

A man is arrested for possessing cocaine with the intent to sell it. Undercover police record the transaction and find a quantity of drugs in the man’s car. The man’s attorney may recognize that there is overwhelming evidence against the defendant. In this case, the criminal defense attorney may negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the charges.

Crystal steals money from her employer’s bank account. She covers up the theft by changing financial records. Her attorney finds that the discrepancies can be explained by mistakes as well as embezzlement. In this case, Crystal agrees to plead guilty to charges of accounting errors instead of going to jail. She agrees to repay the funds.

Caleb agrees to drive the car for two friends who want to commit a burglary. The police have evidence against Caleb but not his accomplices. Caleb’s attorney negotiates a plea bargain in return for the defendant’s cooperation with the prosecution.

Contact a Professional Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Need more information about the pros and cons of accepting a plea bargain? Contact the attorneys at Brennan Law Offices to set up a free consultation today