The concept of a plea bargain is an interesting one in the world of criminal law. A plea bargain is used when the defendant admits guilt for the crime they have been accused of in an attempt to speed up the case and lower the degree of their punishment. This concept was initially introduced for guilty people, but now even the innocent ones have started using it.
Being involved with criminal law can be complex. If you are innocent, you do not want your public image to be shattered by accepting guilt for a crime you did not commit. At the same time, you do not want to waste your time, energy, and money. Speak with a Jersey City criminal lawyer today and weigh the pros and cons of plea bargaining.
The pros of plea bargaining
1. You save money.
If you have been accused of a crime you did not commit, you may have hired a private criminal law attorney to help you win the case. However, criminal cases can last for months or even years. It could be months until you reach the final hearing. Going to several court dates in the middle of your hectic schedule can be annoying. By employing a plea bargain, you can save money on attorney fees.
2. You get a lesser degree of punishment.
A plea bargain is also an advantageous tool for people who do not want to continue the legal fight and want to settle for a lower degree of punishment instead. For example, your attorney can help lower the fines or jail time with the help of a good plea bargain. Even though one would have to go to jail, they may go for a significantly shorter time.
3. You can avoid publicity.
Even when you are not a famous actor or a sportsperson, a criminal case can perk up the ears of nearly everyone you know and even their friends. A criminal trial and a long time in jail can bring embarrassment to the family. While a plea bargain does not solve the problem entirely, it is much more short-lived news than a trial.
The cons of plea bargaining
- Plea bargains can make an innocent person go to jail. Even though it takes less time, jail can be unpleasant.
- An innocent person may have a criminal record for the rest of their lives if they admit guilt for something they did not do.
- A plea bargain creates a “lack of true justice” for the victims of the crime committed. The victim and their family would want the real perpetrator to get the punishment, not an innocent person.
Hire a criminal law attorney today.
