People who are facing criminal charges often want the case resolved as quickly as possible. There are several ways that this can happen. One of these is to enter into a plea agreement with the prosecutor. These deals help to give both sides of the case some measure of control over what happens.
Courts tend to allow plea deals to resolve cases because they help to free up the court docket. If every case had to go to trial, the dockets would be full and people would have to wait a long time to get their cases resolved.
What should you think about if you’re offered a plea deal?
One of the most important things to remember about a plea deal is that you must have committed the crime. You shouldn’t ever entertain a plea deal if you didn’t commit the crime at the center of the case. Plea deals are unique because you can’t appeal them. They come with a clause that forbids you from appealing the plea or the sentence handed down.
There are several things that a plea bargain may do. Some are used to suppress evidence during a trial. Others are meant to provide the defendant with a specific sentence in exchange for the plea they enter. Some offer a lower charge than the original charge.
The court must consider the factors of the case to determine if a plea bargain is suitable. It’s possible for the judge to refuse the deal. Ultimately, defendants should only consider accepting a plea deal when it’s truly in their best interests. Exploring other defense strategy options can help you to determine what should be done in your case.