Plea Bargains
The vast majority of cases are resolved in a plea bargain. Learn how they work and what to
expect as negotiations begin.
Related Ads
Need Professional Help? Talk to a Lawyer
Enter Your Zip Code to Connect with a Lawyer Serving Your Area
Enter Your Zip Code to Connect with a Lawyer Serving Your Area
Prosecutors are almost always willing to "deal" a case, due to their heavy caseloads, problems with evidence or witnesses, or because they'd rather have a conviction on lesser charges than risk losing at trial.
Plea Bargaining Basics
Learn how prosecutors and defense counsel bargain their cases.
Every courthouse has its system for resolving cases short of trial.
Most of the time, defendants who are "good for" the crime will benefit from a plea bargain.
Plea bargaining begins with a conversation between the prosecutor and defense counsel.
Here's how a plea "goes down" in a court.
Sometimes there's a standard deal--but not always.
Defendants who wish to withdraw their guilty pleas face an uphill battle.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions often come up when defendants are thinking about plea bargaining.
Most of the time, yes.
Most lawyers want to do the right thing for their clients.
The advice of your lawyer, who knows what your case is "worth," will help you evaluate the deal.
Prosecutors rarely renege on deals made with defense attorneys.
Defendants can get out of plea deals only in rare circumstances.
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Find us on Google+
Watch us on YouTube
Listen to us on iTunes