What happens if you accept a plea bargain?

The long delays in the criminal justice system can mean that a case drags out for months, derailing a defendant’s life and adding to their expenses and stress. Nobody knows for sure what to expect from a trial, and a defendant could get a result from a jury that is worse than what a prosecutor offers.

When did the plea bargaining guidelines come out?

The Plea Bargaining Guidelines and Explanatory notes have been developed pursuant to Section 137A-O of the Criminal Procedure Code (CAP 75) and the Plea Bargaining Rules gazetted on 14th February 2018. These guidelines are an important addition to the general prosecutorial policy framework and serve to elaborate the Plea Bargaining Rules.

Can a person be innocent of a plea deal?

Plea deals are encouraged under Federal & State law. However, if you’re innocent of your criminal charges, a plea bargain may not be an option. We will discuss everything you need to know.

How does the criminal justice system promote plea bargaining?

Certain aspects of the American justice system serve to promote plea bargaining. For example, the adversarial nature of the U.S. criminal justice system puts judges in a passive role, in which they have no independent access to information with which to assess the strength of the case against the defendant.

How does plea bargaining work in Criminal Court?

In plea bargaining, a defendant is faced with a charge at arraignment. Typically this is the maximum charge or punishment that the defendant will be held to if he or she goes to trial. The prosecutors will present the defendant with an opportunity to plead guilty to a lesser charge or to the original charge with less than the maximum sentence.

When to take a plea bargain in Massachusetts?

There are four types of plea bargains most often used in Massachusetts criminal courts: Count Bargaining occurs when the district attorney agrees to reduce the number of charges brought against the defendant. Charge Bargaining is when the prosecutor agrees to amend the main charge to a less serious offense.

What do you need to know about a plea deal?

A plea deal is a binding contract between a defendant and the state. A plea deal resolves a criminal charge (or charges) against the defendant. You may not realize that the vast majority of criminal cases in every state are resolved through plea bargains rather than courtroom trials.

Can a defendant sign a plea bargain in Washington State?

In Washington State, a defendant’s guilty plea to any charge must be voluntary, and a defendant must understand the terms and consequences of pleading guilty. When a deal offered by the prosecution has been agreed to by a defendant, it still must be approved by the judge.