What is the difference between pleading guilty and a plea bargain?
MAIN QUESTION:
Why would anyone plead guilty when there is an option to lessen the charge through a plea bargain?
Thank you
What is the difference between pleading guilty and a plea bargain?
MAIN QUESTION:
Why would anyone plead guilty when there is an option to lessen the charge through a plea bargain?
Thank you
A plea bargain can sometimes involve something less than a guilty plea. See, e.g., Rush Limbaugh's plea bargain on his drug charges. A plea bargain might involve deferment ,in that case, without even the entry of a guilty plea but more commonly of the conviction and sentence.
Baystategirl is correct that plea bargains are not always offered. You are correct that if you plan to plead guilty, you should try for a plea bargain before entering your plea.
Thanks for the replies
I now understand the difference.
Why would the prosecutor offer to lessen my sentence if I committed a crime against that person?
ah, that makes a lot of sense. Thank you![]()
The other option is to try the original charges. If the DA doesn't have enough evidence he may not win and you're acquitted or "not guilty." If you take a plea bargain on a lesser charge, you will be "guilty" of that charge, whether or not you did that particular charge. Sometimes they're closely related - an included lesser offense, sometimes it's entirely different, but "lesser" in the sense that the sentence and fines are less burdensome. If you can't stomach a guilty plea on something you didn't do, then maybe you should opt for challenging the DA. Those jerks need "wins" to bolster their resumes and get promoted OUT of the criminal division, so any "guilty" is a win in their book. And it makes it easy for lazy attorneys too. Review the pros and cons of your case and see if there is truly enough to gamble with or if you want an easy out yourself. There's so much politics in criminal law, it's criminal. Biased judges, ego-driven government attorneys, defense attorneys who don't like to spend money (cost/profit ratio); BS fees, fines, classes - enough to ruin your life.
Thanks for the thorough reply Kandi6
Crazy...Biased judges, ego-driven government attorneys, defense attorneys who don't like to spend money (cost/profit ratio); BS fees, fines, classes - enough to ruin your life.