Adults accused of criminal offenses have the right to a trial by jury. They also have the right to legal representation. Some criminal defendants choose to work with lawyers to fight the allegations they face.
However, statistics show that the vast majority of criminal defendants enter guilty pleas, often as part of a plea bargain negotiated with the prosecutor’s office. The prospect of pleading guilty despite maintaining one’s innocence makes many people uncomfortable, but the benefits of a successful plea bargain make compromise worthwhile in many cases.
How can plea bargains help?
Defendants who take their cases to trial never know how juries might perceive them or the allegations made by the state. In some cases, criminal defendants who expect to exonerate themselves end up convicted because jurors believe the prosecutor’s version of events.
A plea bargain helps eliminate the uncertainty of a criminal trial. It may also allow for certain beneficial concessions. Prosecutors often compromise when negotiating plea bargains with defense lawyers. They may agree to drop some of the charges against the defendant.
They may also agree to reduce the charges to a lesser offense. Converting a felony offense to a misdemeanor or downgrading a high-stigma charge to a less serious offense can limit the lasting consequences that a criminal conviction may have for a defendant.
The prosecutor may also agree to eliminate certain penalties potentially permitted under the law. They might agree to take prison time off the table in exchange for a guilty plea, for example.
Even those who consistently assert their innocence may benefit from entering a guilty plea as part of a plea bargain. Reviewing the state’s allegations and the potential penalties with a skilled legal team can help those facing criminal allegations evaluate their options in truly informed and empowered ways.