Plea bargaining may be your best option in court, but this type of agreement can also come with serious consequences.
Plea Bargaining: The Pros and Cons
If you are facing serious criminal charges, you may be able to have some of these charges reduced and possibly dismissed by plea bargaining. The prosecution will need to accept the request for a plea bargain before this deal is able to take effect. There are many advantages and disadvantages to these types of deals, and your Las Vegas criminal defense attorney can advise you on the best course of action to take.
The Pros of Plea Bargaining
If you can have some of your charges reduced or dismissed, you may possibly avoid a lengthy prison sentence and hefty fines. Plea bargaining may also result in a quicker final decision from the judge and jury and can give you a greater sense of certainty. The reduced time in court will save you from having to pay higher court costs and attorney fees.
The Cons of Plea Bargaining
Your criminal record will still show charges if you are found guilty of any of the reduced offenses. Plea bargaining also does not change the fact that you were taken into police custody, which could affect your eligibility to apply for certain jobs. If you are truly innocent of a crime, you will always have criminal charges listed on your record if you choose to settle your case with this type of agreement.
Your Right to Plea Bargain
It is your constitutional right to request a plea bargain. However, if the judge and prosecution reject the proposed deal, you may have to face more serious criminal charges. Your defense attorney can tell you more about how this process works so that you can make the most informed decision.