Plea bargains, also referred to as plea deals, are commonly used in criminal courts. These agreements can help move cases through swiftly and may benefit both the defendant and court system. If you’re ever charged with an offense, a criminal attorney can help you navigate the plea bargain process. Discover more about what these agreements entail below.

What Is a Plea Bargain?

A plea bargain is an agreement made among the prosecutor and the defendant. The defendant agrees to accept a guilty charge, while the prosecutor agrees to drop or reduce a charge or make a recommendation to the judge for a sentence the defense accepts. Laws surrounding plea bargains vary from state to state. In Ohio, for instance, plea bargains are often viewed as a welcome alternative to drawn-out trials for less serious offenses.

Who Negotiates for the Plea Bargain?

Either the defense, represented by a criminal attorney, or the prosecutor can initiate a plea bargain. Both sides must agree to the plea for it to be valid. Typically, the proposal includes the defendant pleading guilty to a lesser charge or fewer overall charges in exchange for a more lenient sentence. Usually, the plea bargain must be approved by the court, and the court has the right to reject it.

What Does It Mean to Accept a Plea Bargain?

Plea bargains are typically conducted behind closed doors and prevent a case from ever seeing trial. While a criminal attorney will always go over the terms of the deal in detail with their client, accepting the plea typically means the defendant won’t be able to change their mind. Moreover, agreeing to accept charges means that there could be post-conviction consequences, such as a criminal record, which can affect the defendant for many years. The right attorney will work hard on your behalf to secure the best deal and defend your rights.

If you’re ever charged with a crime in Butler County Ohio, and need a trusted criminal attorney to represent you, turn to Michael A. Newland Law Office. This lawyer has more than 20 years of experience and works with clients charged with a broad range of misdemeanor and felony charges. Explore his full list of services online or call (513) 887-9595 to schedule a consultation.