In 2024, the American criminal court system has become overcrowded with trials taking weeks, months and sometimes years to come to fruition. This delay can cost excessive amounts of time and money on behalf of the defendant and can be damaging to all involved. Additionally, jury trials can result in unpredictable outcomes and consequences. Prosecutors and defense attorneys may opt to bypass a trial’s expense, time, and emotional distress by participating in a plea deal agreement.
Let’s take a look at what plea deals are and how they work. Should you have further questions, call our team at Patrick Conway Law.
What Is a Plea Deal?
A plea bargain is an agreement between a prosecutor and a defendant. Often part of the plea bargain or plea deal is for the defendant to plead guilty to a lesser offense in exchange for a more lenient sentence.
Many cases in the United States criminal court system end in plea bargains. In fact, according to NOLO online, “More than 90% of convictions come from negotiated pleas, which means less than 10% of criminal cases end up in trials.” This plea bargaining has both benefits and downsides for defendants and the state.
The main components of a plea agreement differ from case to case but to arrive at a plea deal both sides must make some concessions. The defendant usually agrees to admit in court that they are guilty of a criminal offense, rather than making the prosecutor prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The prosecution usually makes some sort of concession in return for the guilty plea such as recommending charging the defendant with a less serious offense or less serious penalties such as fine, jail time or community service.
Advantages of a Plea Deal
While every criminal case is different, there are some advantages as to why your attorney may want to discuss a plea deal or bargain with you. Keep in mind that accepting or denying a deal is one that should be thoroughly discussed with your legal counsel.
One of the biggest reasons why plea bargaining is considered is the uncertainty of a jury trial. Defendants and prosecutors are not certain of an outcome going their way. A plea deal may help alleviate that risk. For defendants, plea deals can help remove the uncertainty of a trial and avoid the possibility of a maximum sentence or fine. They can also result in reduced charges or potentially dismissed charges in some cases.
Plea deals also offer monetary and time-saving advantages. Hiring legal counsel is expensive and taking time out of work or away from family can be challenging. Plea deals allow for the court case to be concluded and outcomes to be resolved.
In terms of witnesses, a plea deal can save family and those impacted by a crime from having to testify or relive the event in court. Government informants are also protected if they do not need to be revealed in open court.
Taking a plea deal or agreeing to one, should be something discussed with your legal counsel as they know the details of your case and the likely outcome that a trial may take. Please discuss your case with experienced legal counsel. Talk to our team at Patrick Conway Law.