Most people facing criminal charges insist that they didn’t break the law. They may initially intend to take the matter to trial to prove their innocence. However, statistics about the outcome of criminal charges show that the vast majority of defendants eventually plead guilty as part of a plea deal.
There are many reasons why people who claim they did not commit a crime have their criminal defense attorneys negotiate plea bargains instead of fighting the charges against them. There are many potential benefits to plea bargains, including the three critical benefits below.
1. A faster resolution
While the Bill of Rights does promise a speedy trial, people facing criminal charges often spend months in legal limbo. It takes time for the state to gather evidence and time to arrange for a trial. A plea bargain resolves the matter quickly, allowing people to move on with their lives faster.
2. Reduced charges
When prosecutors accuse people of breaking the law, they may bring multiple charges over one offense or pursue felony charges whenever possible. Plea bargains often result in an arrangement that reduces the charge against the defendant to a lesser crime or eliminates all but one charge.
3. Lower criminal penalties
State statutes establish a range of different criminal penalties for different offenses. A defense attorney negotiating a plea bargain with a prosecutor can seek concessions regarding sentencing. Prosecutors have the authority to limit the criminal penalties imposed as part of a plea deal.
Discussing the state’s case and the possible sentence carried by a criminal charge can help people evaluate their criminal defense options. A plea deal can be a viable option for defendants in a variety of challenging situations.