The Role Of Plea Bargains In Criminal Defense

The Role Of Plea Bargains In Criminal Defense

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to defend yourself against a criminal accusation, you will probably be in a state of panic. No one wants to be convicted and have a criminal record or have to serve jail time. Even if you don’t think you can defend yourself successfully against the allegations, you may still have other options.

Plea bargains are a very common way of resolving criminal cases. In fact, plea bargains are used to resolve around 90 percent of all criminal cases in the United States. They offer the potential to reach a compromise without a trial, but they are morally controversial.

The basics of plea bargains

Plea bargains essentially incentivize defendants to plead guilty by offering them a reduced sentence for doing so. This means that a court case is avoided, saving time and money. However, it can mean that an innocent person is effectively forced to plead guilty because they see it as the best option for them.

Could a plea bargain benefit me?

Whether accepting a plea bargain is a good idea will depend on the specific circumstances of your criminal accusation. If there is a good likelihood of a successful defense, it is usually worth trying in court. The terms of the plea bargain are also crucial in deciding whether to accept it.

If you are facing a criminal accusation in Michigan, it is important that you and your criminal defense attorney weigh the option of a plea bargain. Taking swift action to plot your defense, while still considering the pros and cons of the offer is essential to making the best decision based on your circumstances.