Charged With A Crime? Learn The Benefits Of Accepting A Plea Deal
If you were charged with a crime that you know you are guilty of, and there is a lot of evidence against you, a local criminal defense attorney may urge you to accept a plea deal, sometimes also referred to as a plea bargain. A plea deal involves you pleading guilty to the crime you were charged with, or a similar but lesser crime, in exchange for a lighter or reduced sentence. Before you accept a plea deal, it is important to weigh the pros and cons to help you decide if you are making the right decision for you. Here are some of the benefits associated with accepting a plea deal.
You Can Put an End to Your Case Quickly
One of the benefits associated with accepting a plea deal is that you can put an end to your case quickly. It can take months or even years for a criminal case to go to trial, and all the while, your life is hanging in limbo. By accepting a plea deal that a local attorney negotiates for you, you can put an end to your case quickly.
You May Pay Less in Legal Costs
Another benefit associated with accepting a plea deal is that you can keep your legal expenses low. A local criminal attorney typically charges by the hour. So if your case goes to trial, your fees will be much higher compared to someone who settled on a plea deal prior to trial.
You Get a Lighter Sentence
The biggest benefit associated with accepting a plea deal is that you get a lighter sentence than you otherwise may if you choose to go to trial. You may plead guilty to a lesser crime or you may get reduced jail time or have to pay lower fines. If you take your case to trial, you may be facing a lot of jail time. But a great local attorney can negotiate a plea deal that provides you with a lighter sentence, giving you some control over the outcome of your case.
If you have been charged with a crime and there is a lot of evidence against you, it can be difficult to convince a jury of your peers that you are not guilty. As such, if you know you have committed the crime, you may be better off accepting a plea deal negotiated for you by a local attorney. This helps you to put an end to your case quickly, lessens your legal costs, can help you get a lighter sentence, and allows you to have some control over the outcome of your case.
Contact a local attorney for more information.
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