A plea deal or plea bargain is an agreement offered to a defendant in a criminal case. The agreement typically allows the defendant to plead guilty to a lesser offense in return for a reduced sentence. There are many factors that may be used to determine whether a plea bargain will be offered or not. One of the main considerations is whether the defendant has had any prior convictions for a similar crime.
A plea deal is almost always negotiated between a defendant’s attorney and the prosecutor. While you may be offered a plea deal without a lawyer, it’s always best to discuss the details with a lawyer before making a final decision. Sometimes a plea deal may have some long-term consequences that you should be aware of before making the decision.
Every case is different and each situation comes with a unique set of circumstances. Most plea deals are designed to provide a compromise for both the defendant as well as the prosecutor. If you have several charges against you a plea deal may help to eliminate some of them. However, keep in mind that you’ll be pleading guilty to a crime, which will come with some consequences and will stay on your permanent record.
In Florida, most cases are settled with a plea agreement. That being said, as a defendant you have the right to a trial. If you prefer, you can simply refuse a plea deal and the case will continue to court. This may be preferred if the facts suggest that the evidence against you is weak. Discuss the options with an experienced criminal attorney to learn the pros and cons of any offer.
There are many different ways to defend the charges against you. Your attorney will review all the facts of the case including the evidence. This will help plan your defense and provide you with the best possible outcome. Remember that no specific outcome is certain so there is always some risk in taking the matter to trial.
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