What is a Plea Bargain?

A plea bargain is an agreement made between the prosecution and defense which affords the defendant a lighter sentence. Also referred to as a plea deal, a plea bargain offers the defendant a level of control at the cost of admitting guilt. Oftentimes, a defendant may plead guilty to a reduced charge with the prosecution agreeing to dismiss the remaining charges in what is known as charge bargaining.

With only 5% of state cases heading to trial, there is no denying the appeal of taking a plea bargain. Even though a criminal conviction is never ideal, it beats the risk of presenting your case in front of a jury, especially when the weight of evidence is against you. In reaching a plea deal, both the prosecution and defense are relieved of the stress, time, and uncertainty that comes with heading to trial.

At Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, our legal team understands the worry that accompanies criminal charges. If you are facing allegations of criminal conduct, do not hesitate to contact our Nashville criminal defense attorneys.

Advantages of Taking a Plea Bargain

Nobody knows for sure how a jury will rule, which makes litigation stressful for both parties. Given such, the prosecution and defense may utilize the services of a jury consultant, who can analyze the behaviors of jurors to provide their expert opinion on which tactics will work best at trial. Unfortunately, even using an experienced trial strategist does not guarantee a successful case outcome.

In striking a plea deal, the ambiguity of trial is removed by allowing the prosecution and defense to negotiate an agreement that finds a middle ground. In agreeing to a plea deal, the defendant can either enter a guilty plea, nolo contendere (“no contest” plea) plea or Alford plea (allowing the defendant to plead guilty while maintaining their innocence). In taking a plea bargain, the defendant waives their right to be tried in front of a jury of their peers. When the prosecution can easily establish the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, a plea deal can afford the defendant the best option to serve minimal time.

Surrendering Your Right of Appeal

While a plea bargain may seem one-sided, offering the defense what some may perceive as a “get out of jail free” card, this is rarely the case. In agreeing to a plea bargain, the defendant will still most likely serve time, but it is often a lighter sentence than trying their case in front of a jury. The prosecution often prefers striking a plea deal because it saves the government the time and expense of trial.

In taking a plea deal, you relinquish your right to appeal. Under some circumstances, taking a plea deal may not be the best choice, especially if there is a chance of being acquitted at trial. As part of some plea bargains, a defendant’s charges may be diverted, reducing the amount of time that is spent in prison. Without the guidance of an attorney, negotiating a plea deal can be challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with court procedures. Given the gravity of what is at stake, this is not a decision that should be made without first consulting with an experienced Nashville criminal defense attorney.

Nashville Criminal Defense Lawyers Advocating for Your Rights

At Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, our Nashville criminal defense attorneys will only suggest a plea deal if it is the best option for you. Our legal team is dedicated to helping you spend as little time behind bars, never believing that our job should be a walk in the park. Our defense team is interested in reducing the severity of your punishment, which always entails fighting ruthlessly for your rights. If you are interested in learning more, contact us online or by phone at 615-846-9889 to arrange your free consultation.