Before accepting a plea bargain agreement, decide whether or not the offer is in your best interest. A plea bargain agreement can benefit both the prosecutors and the defendants. Prosecutors may make an offer just to get you through the system faster, reduce their workload or save valuable court time. Although a plea bargain offer means a lighter sentence, it results in a criminal conviction that will appear on the individual’s record.
It may not be wise to accept a plea bargain if the following apply:
- There is insufficient evidence to prove your case.
- The testimony of a material witness cannot be obtained.
- If the reduction or dismissal would not result in a substantial changein the sentence.
- If your case is still strong enough to go to trial.
To make an informed decision, talk to a criminal defense attorney.
