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What Happens If You Are Falsely Accused? What is a Plea Deal, and Should I Consider Accepting One? What is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor? What Are My Rights If I Am Arrested? What Should I Do If I Am Arrested?What is a Plea Deal, and Should I Consider Accepting One?
A plea deal, also called a plea bargain or plea agreement, is an arrangement in which the defendant enters a guilty plea to a criminal charge. In exchange, they can have their charges, sentences, or penalties reduced. Whether or not you should consider accepting a plea deal will depend on the specific facts of your case. A Lancaster criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case and determine the best recourse based on your unique circumstances.
How Does a Plea Deal Work?
The defense or prosecution can initiate negotiations for a plea deal. If both parties can negotiate an agreement that is fair for everyone involved, the defendant will enter a guilty or no-contest plea. A guilty plea means you admit you broke the law and committed a crime. On the other hand, a no-contest plea means you are not admitting you committed a crime, but you’re also not disputing the charges against you.
In exchange for your plea, the prosecutor may:
- Charge you with certain offenses and not charge you for other related (applicable) offenses.
- Bring a lesser charge against you. For example, instead of charging you with DUI (driving under the influence), they may charge you with reckless driving, which is a lesser charge.
- Recommend that you get a lighter sentence and reduced penalties.
Take note that in some cases, the prosecutor may impose other conditions on top of a guilty plea. For instance, they may require you to testify against other defendants related to your case. In addition, judges have the discretion to review and reject or modify the plea deal.
Should I Consider Accepting a Plea Deal?
The best way to determine if a plea deal is right for you is by having a Lancaster criminal defense attorney review your case. They can evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the case against you, the penalties you’re facing, and the possibility of winning your case at trial to determine whether accepting a plea deal would be in your favor. Securing a plea bargain that will significantly reduce your penalties or charges will require an in-depth understanding of the plea-bargaining process and strategic negotiation skills.
Depending on your case, your Lancaster criminal defense attorney may advise that you go to trial, have your case dismissed, and obtain a verdict of not guilty if the prosecution does not have strong evidence to support their case against you. They may also recommend a pre-trial diversion program that would enable you to have your criminal record expunged and secure a more favorable outcome for you, depending on the program you’re eligible for.
Seek Legal Advice From Our Seasoned Lancaster Criminal Defense Attorney
When you work with our Lancaster criminal defense attorney, they will give you honest and clear legal advice and ensure that you understand all your options before you accept or reject a plea deal. Reach out to Feeman Law Offices and schedule your case evaluation with our Lancaster criminal defense attorney by calling 717-273-1763 or by contacting us online.