Kenneth S. Feraru Criminal Law Blog on Lawyers.com

To Plea or Not to Plea

Friday, February 25, 2011 by Kenneth S. Feraru

Criminal plea bargaining in Long Island

A plea bargain is an agreement struck between a prosecutor and an individual accused of a crime. Plea bargains generally take two forms:

Charge bargain: More common, a charge bargain provides for negotiation of charges, often allowing the accused to plead guilty to a lesser charge than originally filed.
Sentence bargain: Less common, a sentence bargain involves acceptance by the accused of a lesser punishment in exchange for pleading guilty to the charge as filed.

Plea bargaining is a practice, rather than a construct of law. Used by prosecutors and criminal defense attorneys, the best plea negotiations strike a balance between the needs of the community and the rights of the accused.

Being accused of a crime is frightening. Plea bargaining addresses the reality of limited government resources and the need for consequence and closure for individuals who have made mistakes.

The necessity of using a criminal law firm in Long Island

Most criminal charges are resolved through plea bargain. Retaining an aggressive criminal defense lawyer in Long Island is the best way to improve the outcome of your case. Consider the following points about plea bargains:

Never handle your own plea bargain negotiations. Use a local, experienced criminal defense law firm experienced with the policies and legal personalities in Long Island. Being represented by a credible, known law firm can give you a preferable negotiating position.
Understand only you can accept or reject a plea bargain. By accepting a plea bargain, you voluntarily waive your right to a trial.
Plea bargains are far less expensive than trial for you and the government.
If you committed or participated in a crime and accept a charge bargain, you might quickly avoid conviction on a more serious offense, salvage future employment opportunity, and reduce damage to your reputation.

The unique facts of your case dictate whether you should accept or reject a plea deal. Hire the best Long Island criminal law firm you can find to help make the decision right for you.

Posted at 09:52 AM

Topic: Criminal Law