What Is Plea Bargaining?

In Michigan, a plea bargain is an agreement in a criminal case between the prosecutor and defendant in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge or to only one of several charges in exchange for some concession from the prosecutor.

Although plea deals may offer a faster court process, they can result in unfair punishment. If you’ve been charged with a crime but the evidence against you is weak or absent, a plea deal might not be the wisest choice. Contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Manley & Manley in Flint, MI, for a free case evaluation and an explanation of your potential legal options.

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Reasons to consider a plea bargain

An experienced criminal defense lawyer is indispensable in the process of negotiating and deciding on a plea bargain. Here are some of the reasons why a plea bargain may be appropriate that a defense attorney can help you consider:

• Reduced Sentencing. Facing the full weight of potential sentencing can be daunting. Plea bargains often reduce a defendant’s exposure to harsh sentences. Due to the agreement, the prosecution may recommend lighter punishment, which could translate to fewer years of imprisonment or alternative forms of punishment like community service or probation.
• Certainty of Outcome. Trials hold a significant amount of uncertainty. One can never predict with absolute certainty how a jury will interpret evidence. A plea bargain removes the gamble of a jury trial, providing a guaranteed outcome that can be more favorable than the risk of receiving the maximum sentence.
• Legal Costs. Trials are expensive. They can drain resources, from lawyer fees to court costs. By agreeing to a plea bargain, defendants can significantly reduce the financial strain of the legal process.
• Reduced Publicity. High-profile cases draw public attention. A speedy plea bargain can diminish media exposure, which can be beneficial to defendants who wish to maintain some level of privacy about legal proceedings.
• Conservation of Time. The judicial process can be very time-consuming. A plea bargain can expedite the resolution of a case, allowing defendants to move on with their lives more quickly than if they were to endure a lengthy trial process.

Considering a plea bargain is a complex decision that carries significant legal consequences. Here, the support of an experienced criminal defense attorney becomes invaluable. Not only can a defense lawyer empower you to make the most strategic choice, but they can also ensure your rights are fully protected throughout the process.

Our criminal defense attorneys can guide you down the right path

The Michigan criminal legal process is nuanced, with a lot of specific rules and protocols to follow. An experienced lawyer can evaluate the strength of the evidence against you, assess the likelihood of acquittal, and determine if a plea bargain is advisable. They can offer clear-eyed advice about the risks and rewards of going to trial versus accepting a deal.

At Manley & Manley, our attorneys are here to defend your rights. From ensuring fair treatment in custody to verifying the legality of the plea bargain process, we can guide a defendant through these, ensuring all the correct steps are followed to secure the plea bargain. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.