Plea agreements or deals are far more common in criminal cases than trials are. It’s estimated that 98% of federal cases and 95% of state-level cases are resolved that way.
A plea deal can be beneficial for a lot of defendants. It can provide quicker resolution to a case with more control over the outcome and even reduce the penalties they might face. However, plea deals aren’t always the best choice in every scenario, especially in the following cases.
You’re innocent of the charges
Someone innocent of the crime they are accused of should never accept a plea agreement. Accepting a plea deal typically means admitting guilt to some or all of the charges, leaving you with no appeal rights. It can also have long-lasting implications for your future. While it may seem like an easy way out, you’ll have a criminal record that can follow you the rest of your life, potentially affecting your education, career and housing opportunities.
The prosecutor’s case is weak
Sometimes a prosecutor barrels ahead with charges based on flimsy or questionable evidence. If the evidence the prosecution has is weak, you may want to resist the pressure to accept a deal. An experienced defense team can engage private investigators and expert witnesses to challenge what the prosecutor describes as “proof” of your guilt and look for exculpatory evidence.
The deal isn’t favorable
Not all plea deals are the same. If what you’re being offered doesn’t significantly change the “worst-case” scenario you face or it comes with conditions that you don’t think you can adhere to, you may want to reconsider accepting. You could end up worse off than if you take your case to trial.
Ultimately, every plea deal should be considered carefully. You can benefit from experienced legal guidance as you make this decision.