A person who’s facing criminal charges may want the case to be done as quickly as possible, but trials can take considerable time. Because of this, some defendants opt to pursue a plea deal to resolve the charges. This helps the defendant to have a say in the sentence they’ll face without having to go through the uncertainty of a trial.
Typically, prosecutors will only work with defense counsel to discuss the terms of a plea deal. These deals must usually occur before a trial begins, so it’s critical to remember that these are time-sensitive negotiations.
What’s included in a plea deal?
In a plea deal, the defendant must either plead “no contest” or “guilty” to specific charges. These may be lesser charges than what they were originally facing. Regardless of what charges are agreed to, the defendant must ensure they’re comfortable with the consequences this will bring, which likely include a criminal record.
In exchange for a specific plea, the prosecution will often recommend a specific sentence. Ultimately, the judge presiding over the case will determine if the sentence is sufficient or not. If the judge doesn’t agree with the plea deal, it won’t be accepted by the court, which can mean a trial for the defendant.
One important point regarding plea deals is that they can’t be appealed since the defendant willingly agrees to the terms. It is therefore crucial for someone considering making a plea deal to discuss the matter in advance with someone who’s familiar with the case and who can explain the available options. However attractive a plea deal may seem at first, remember that prosecutors often prefer these because it avoids them from having to go to a trial on a case they know they might lose.
