How a Plea Bargain Differs From a Guilty Plea

People may end up facing criminal charges in Michigan for many different reasons. Common criminal accusations include claims that someone drove a vehicle while under the influence or possessed illegal drugs. 

Those accused of breaking the law often want to resolve their pending legal matter as quickly as possible. They may consider pleading guilty to the charges that they face. Doing so may seem like a simple and straightforward solution. 

Many people hope that a guilty plea might limit the penalties the courts impose. However, defendants often secure the best outcomes in cases where their attorneys negotiate plea bargains on their behalf instead of just entering a guilty plea. 

What Does Negotiating a Plea Bargain Involve? 

Many defendants seek out plea bargains. According to a recent analysis of the outcome of criminal charges in the United States, the vast majority of people accused of criminal offenses plead guilty. Often, they plead guilty through a plea bargain arrangement. 

Instead of just entering a guilty plea and leaving themselves at the mercy of the courts, the defendant instead has their lawyer negotiate with the prosecution. Plea bargaining often involves requests to limit the penalties that the courts impose. A prosecutor can agree to reduce the amount of jail time possible by accepting a plea to a lesser offense. 

They can also negotiate to take certain penalties off the table entirely in some situations. Plea bargains can also involve limiting what information the prosecutor submits to the court as part of the public record. Doing so can help preserve the reputation of a defendant in exchange for their decision to plead guilty. 

Essentially, plea bargaining involves a defendant agreeing to plead guilty in exchange for certain concessions from the prosecutor’s office. The nature of the charges the defendant faces, the penalties the courts could impose and the circumstances leading to their prosecution all influence the best strategy when attempting to negotiate a plea bargain. 

Learning that leniency comes from a negotiated arrangement rather than just entering a guilty plea can help defendants avoid scenarios in which they may unintentionally give up their only leverage early in a criminal case. A solid criminal defense strategy involves not just an attempt to counter the state’s case but also an analysis of every available option. Plea bargaining is a valuable option for many people facing criminal charges.