Defendants facing criminal charges in West Michigan have multiple options available to them. Some people may qualify for pretrial diversion programs in special circumstances. Others may have exculpatory evidence that can help them fight against their charges at trial. Criminal defendants can also enter a guilty plea as a means of avoiding a trial. Negotiating a plea bargain with the prosecutor before entering a guilty plea is a common choice.
What benefits can defendants potentially derive from negotiating with a prosecutor and agreeing to enter a plea bargain for pending charges?
Reduced consequences
During the negotiation stage of plea bargaining, a defense lawyer can seek concessions from the prosecutor in exchange for the guilty plea. Frequently, defense lawyers ask prosecutors to drop secondary charges or to reduce the severity of the charges brought against their clients.
It may also be possible to reach an agreement where the prosecutor commits to limiting the penalties imposed, such as agreeing to probation instead of a jail sentence. Those concessions can significantly reduce the negative impact that criminal charges can have on individuals.
Faster resolution
The stress of criminal proceedings and even of waiting for a day in court can take a toll on an individual. High levels of stress can affect physical and mental health, job performance and even relationships. Defendants who enter plea bargains instead of going to trial finish the criminal process more quickly and can move on with their lives sooner.
Factors including the nature of the charges, the evidence that the state has gathered and even the defendant’s current employment could influence the best way to respond to pending criminal charges. Reviewing criminal allegations with a defense attorney can be a smart first step for those who want to limit the long-term consequences of a recent arrest accordingly.