Facing criminal charges is one of the most difficult situations that some people will ever go through. One of the most challenging aspects of being the defendant in a criminal matter is the uncertainty of the outcome as the case moves through the court system.
Some people who are in this position may have the option of trying to work out a plea deal with the prosecution. Typically, prosecutors will only work with the defendant’s legal representative to determine the conditions and terms of this agreement.
What can be covered in a plea deal?
The defendant has to enter a specific plea, usually guilty or no contest, in order to receive what the prosecutor agrees to. There are a few things that the prosecutor can include in the plea deal.
- Sentencing terms: The prosecutor can agree to a specific sentence in exchange for the plea.
- Charge terms: The prosecutor may agree to reduce the charges the defendant is facing to something less serious than the original charge.
- Limitation of facts: The prosecutor may agree to keep certain facts out of the record about the case or to only mention specific facts.
The plea deal must be something that would be considered reasonable by the court because the judge presiding over the case has to approve it. Once it’s accepted by the court, it can’t be appealed by the defendant.
Considering a plea deal is a common way of resolving a criminal matter because the defendant knows what will happen and the case doesn’t bog down the court docket. Any defendant in this position should ensure they carefully consider what the conviction will mean for them now and in the future.