Plea bargains are the most common outcome of criminal charges. The vast majority of criminal cases end in a defendant entering a guilty plea as part of an arrangement made with the prosecutor.
Instead of simply pleading guilty, they work with their lawyer to negotiate favorable terms in exchange for pleading guilty and giving up their right to a trial. Plea bargains are common in part because they can save people from the stress and expense of a criminal trial. They can also offer protection from the worst-case penalties the courts might impose after a criminal conviction.
How plea bargains help criminal defendants
Prosecutors want to keep their conviction rates high, and plea bargains play a major role in helping prosecutors look successful. The fewer cases they take to trial, the lower their chances of losing a case.
Prosecutors frequently agree to certain compromises in exchange for a guilty plea. Frequently, prosecutors agree to drop all but one of the charges they brought against an individual. They may also agree to reduce a charge to a lesser offense in exchange for a guilty plea.
Other times, plea bargains may involve the prosecutor taking specific penalties off the table. The agreement negotiated with the prosecutor can limit the impact of a criminal record and reduce the severity of the sentence imposed by the courts.
Reviewing the state’s case can help a defendant determine whether a trial or a plea bargain might be a better option, given their circumstances. An attorney can help their clients push for the best possible outcome when they face serious criminal charges.