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90% to 95% of cases are plea bargained in Los Angeles County. There are quite a few reasons for this, though one of them is that overburdened public defenders tend to push plea bargains through rather than taking cases all the way to trial.  

Another reason is that prosecutors tend to try to coerce people into plea bargains by threatening to push for the absolute highest level of sentencing if people exercise their right to a trial. In some cases LA trials are anything but speedy, and people who are accused of crimes spend a great deal of time in prison before they’re ever convicted. Some people are ready to sign off on anything if it means they can go home. 

At our law office, plea bargaining is a tactic of last resort, but it’s still important for defendants to understand how they work, what they are, and when it might be a good idea to go ahead and take one. 

What is a plea bargain?

In a plea bargain agreement, the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a crime. They might plead guilty to a less severe crime than the one they were initially charged with in return for a lighter sentence.

In some cases, plea bargains are required to take advantage of deferred prosecution agreements or alternative sentencing agreements, and are a key part of a strategy to keep a defendant out of jail. 

Plea bargainers waive their right to a trial in return for these concessions. 

When should a defendant accept a plea deal?

You should never accept a plea deal before you have a long conversation with your criminal defense attorney about the terms as offered and whether it’s a good idea in your case. However, there are some times when it’s a great idea.

Deferred prosecution agreements usually make plea bargains a great idea. If you can meet the conditions of the agreement the charges will be dropped. Your guilty plea is basically held as a guarantee against your good behavior. This type of plea bargain can keep you out of jail and keep your record clear.

Cases where the evidence against you is overwhelming are another good time to accept a plea bargain. If you know there’s video of you leaving a gas station seconds before it bursts into flames you might want to have your attorney try to plea down the arson charge, for example.

Cases where “time served” would get you out of jail are a gray area. On one hand, you’ll plead guilty to a crime and go home. On the other, you’ll still have a criminal record, with all the complications and problems such records bring. 

Get Help With Your Criminal Case

The decision to take a plea bargain or to push your case all the way to trial is never simple. If you work with a private criminal attorney you can at least be sure that if you do take a plea bargain it will be the right decision in your specific case. 

If you’re in trouble, don’t hesitate. Reach out to our law office to get help today. 

See also:

How to Help a Loved One Who Has Been Accused of a Crime in Los Angeles, CA 

How Long Does a Criminal Case Take in Los Angeles, CA? 

Do You Really Need a Los Angeles Criminal Lawyer if You’re Innocent?