These days, plea deals (or “plea bargains”) are commonly used to resolve criminal cases without a trial.
While they can be beneficial for some defendants, they aren’t right for everyone – and a lot of people don’t fully understand the implications of a plea deal before they accept one. If you’re considering a plea agreement, here are three things you need to consider first:
1. It has the same consequences as a conviction
You may not realize that a plea deal isn’t recorded any differently than a conviction – which means that all of the consequences for your future are the same. Aside from any sentence that you face as a result of the plea bargain, you will also have a conviction on your record. If you’re ever in trouble with the law again, that could lead to much harsher penalties in the future. Plus, you have to deal with all the social and economic consequences of a criminal record – which can affect everything from your right to own firearms to your job and housing opportunities.
2. Not all plea deals are the same
Before you accept a plea agreement, make sure you know what you are getting. Some plea deals include sentence bargaining, which can guarantee significant benefits – but not all of them do. If you’re thinking that a plea deal will eliminate the possibility of jail time but that’s not part of the agreement, you could be in for a nasty shock when you’re sentenced by the judge.
3. You’re giving up all chance of an acquittal
Most significantly, a plea deal requires you to give up any chance of having your charges dismissed or being acquitted at trial. Prosecutors often use plea deals to secure a quick conviction and avoid the uncertainty of trial – and that could mean that their case against you is weaker than you think. There’s no reason to shoulder the burden of a conviction if you have a good shot at winning your case.
Accepting a plea deal isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly. While it’s the right choice in some situations, you need legal guidance to fully understand your agreement (and get the best deal possible).