Plea Bargains In Depth

The overwhelming majority of criminal cases don't go to trial—they end in plea deals. But plea bargains involve lots of variations and factors to consider.

Not Your Average Plea

Pleading Guilty While Saying You're Innocent

A defendant who claims to be innocent but doesn’t want to risk going to trial can sometimes take what has become known as an Alford plea, named after the Supreme Court’s decision in North Carolina v. Alford. (400 U.S. 25 (1970).)
Conditional Pleas and Appealing After Pleading Guilty

Believe it or not, the prosecution and defense occasionally agree (more or less) on the facts underlying criminal charges.

Questions About Plea-Bargain Variations

What Is an Open Plea?

In a typical case, the defendant pleads guilty or no contest in return for the prosecution’s agreement that it will recommend a certain sentence. But an open plea contains no such agreements.

More Legal Topics

DEFEND YOUR RIGHTS

Talk to a Defense attorney

We've helped 95 clients find attorneys today.

Full Name

Full Name is required

Email

Email is required

Please enter a valid Email

Phone

Phone Number is required

Please enter a valid Phone Number

Zip Code

Zip Code is required

Please add a valid Zip Code

Please enter a valid Case Description

Description is required

By submitting this form I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to be contacted by Martindale-Nolo and its affiliates, and up to three attorneys regarding this request and to receiving relevant marketing messages by automated means, text and/or prerecorded messages at the number provided. Consent is not required as a condition of service,

Click here

to agree without providing consent to be contacted by automated means, text and/or prerecorded messages. Rates may apply.

You should not send any sensitive or confidential information through this site. Any information sent through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship and may not be treated as privileged or confidential. The lawyer or law firm you are contacting is not required to, and may choose not to, accept you as a client. The Internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent through this site could be intercepted or read by third parties.

How It Works

Briefly tell us about your case
Provide your contact information
Choose attorneys to contact you

Copyright ©2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo ® Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Consumer Health Data Notice.

Your Privacy Choices