When charged with a crime, it may seem as though there’s no way out. The state has insurmountable evidence against you, and trying to fight the charge may seem like a waste of time. When the prosecution offers you a plea bargain, you may not know what to expect. However, you should not make any decisions without consulting a Cobb County criminal attorney. You’ll also want to continue reading to learn more about what a plea bargain entails.
How Does a Plea Bargain Work in Georgia?
When charged with a crime, the prosecution may offer you a deal in exchange for pleading guilty. Generally, this deal involves reduced charges or a more lenient sentence if you plead guilty to the charges against you, resulting in a conviction.
Many accept plea deals for several reasons. If a criminal defendant knows the state has a significant amount of viable evidence against them, making it unlikely they will be found not guilty by a jury, they will often accept the deal as it is more favorable. Similarly, a plea bargain makes it so there is no need for a trial, reducing the amount of time, resources, and funds a defendant must pay.
Are There Different Kinds?
There are three main types of plea bargains that those convicted of a crime should be aware of. This includes the following:
- Charge Bargaining: Charge bargaining is the most common option, as it allows the defendant to plead guilty to a lesser charge, meaning the prosecution will drop more serious charges.
- Sentence Bargaining: Much less common, a defendant will plead guilty to the original charges in exchange for a reduced sentence.
- Count Bargaining: Similar to the other kinds of plea deals, count bargaining allows the prosecution to convict the defendants on one or more of the charges brought against them while dropping the others. For example, if someone faces two counts of assault and one count of kidnapping, the prosecution may only charge them with kidnapping in exchange for a guilty plea.
What Should I Consider Before Accepting?
Though it may seem like an easy decision to accept a plea deal when offered, it is essential to discuss this with a criminal attorney before agreeing. This is because you may not know whether or not the prosecutor has a viable case against you. For example, they may have evidence that was collected illegally, meaning that your attorney may be able to file a successful motion to dismiss this evidence. As a result, the prosecutor may no longer have a case against you. You may jeopardize your future if you are too hasty and accept the deal without consulting an attorney.
Similarly, your lawyer can negotiate the best possible deal based on your unique circumstances. This makes it all the more important to consult your legal representation before accepting a deal from the prosecutor.
When you’re facing criminal charges, you will likely feel overwhelmed. However, the Miller Law Practice can help ensure your case is in good hands. Reach out to our office today to learn how we can assist you.