If you have been accused of a crime, you will likely have the possibility of negotiating a plea bargain. Plea bargaining is a type of incentive that works to reduce the number of cases that go to trial. While it is a controversial tactic from an ethical standpoint, it does increase the efficiency of the court system. Also, it is ultimately the defendant’s choice as to whether they want to settle for a plea bargain or attempt to prove their innocence in a trial.
It’s important that you understand your rights if you are facing criminal charges. You should also make sure that you have a clear overview of the pros and cons of plea bargaining so that you can make an informed decision.
The advantages of accepting a plea bargain
A plea bargain offers a more lenient sentence than the sentence that would be ruled if found guilty at trial. If a defendant is worried that they may be found guilty at trial, negotiating a plea bargain could be a smart choice for this reason. Essentially, it mitigates all risk, because you know the consequences that you will face when accepting the plea bargain.
The disadvantages of accepting a plea bargain
If you are adamant that you did not commit the crime and that you are completely innocent, you may still feel compelled to accept a plea bargain. This is because you may not have confidence that you will be able to prove your innocence. Unfortunately, this is an unfair aspect to plea bargaining. It may result in innocent people feeling compelled to accept a deal.
Making the final decision
The right decision for you regarding whether you should accept a plea bargain will depend on a variety of factors. It will depend on the plea bargain that you have been offered, as well as the potential in proving your innocence. Before taking action, you should take into account all perspectives, and consider all possible outcomes.
If you are facing criminal charges and you are unsure of what action to take moving forward, it is vital that you take the time to gain a good understanding of the law.