One of the most pressing questions that some defendants have is what type of sentence they’ll face if they’re convicted. Sometimes, they may admit that they did the crime they’re being charged with, so they want to enter into a plea deal.
A plea deal is set up when there’s an agreement between the defense and the prosecution about the outcome of the case. There are several points that can be considered in the plea deal. The defendant must plead either guilty or no contest in exchange for either a specific sentence, reduced charges or other points. Some plea deals include multiple areas of negotiation.
Why are plea deals beneficial for prosecutors, defendants and the court?
One of the main reasons why plea deals are considered is because they can save resources and free up time on the court docket. A plea deal bypasses the trial process, so the court won’t have a lengthy trial. This can save the prosecution and defense considerable money.
Plea deals also offer certainty. The prosecution is able to hold the responsible party accountable for their criminal act. The defendant knows what sentence they’ll face. The court will have to accept the plea deal, so there’s a certainty about a just sentence being set.
Defendants can’t appeal a plea deal, so any defendant who’s considering one should ensure they understand the agreement. Because many prosecutors will only work with defense attorneys about plea deals, the defendant may opt to have one on their side. This also gives the option to discuss the deal with their representative to determine if it’s in their best interest.