Can You Plea Bargain a Felony?

Yes. A plea bargain is an agreement reached between the prosecution and criminal defense attorneys to resolve a case without going to trial. Depending on the crime, probation, restitution, and fines may be imposed. A defendant may be able to negotiate a lower sentence through a plea bargain with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Benefits of A Plea Bargain Agreement

Most individuals motivated by a plea deal for their Dallas felony charge believe that it may help them avoid or minimize prison sentences. Some of the benefits of a plea bargain include:

Reducing the time and expense of jury trials.
Giving your attorney control over the outcome of your case.
Allowing your case to move more quickly through the system.
Providing a better resolution than if you were convicted at a criminal trial.

When to Negotiate a Plea Bargains

In a criminal case, negotiating a plea bargain is not always an option. When the prosecution refuses to plead guilty or reduce your sentence, it’s referred to as a “policy case.” Prior convictions, serious bodily harm or death, or crimes against minors, law enforcement officers, or vulnerable groups are all common policy scenarios.

A trial is not required in some situations, such as when a plea bargain is reached. In some cases, a felony conviction can be reduced to a misdemeanor, avoiding the terrible stigma and loss of personal rights that come with a criminal conviction. During the plea bargaining process, the criminal defense attorney’s goal is to achieve the best possible result.

Reaching an Agreement

To reach an agreement, the prosecution must propose a less severe penalty or charge than would otherwise be imposed. While it is understandable that a defendant would prefer the least severe punishment possible, in many cases, a lower charge is preferable to a more lenient sentence. Keep in mind that a criminal conviction may have a longer-lasting impact than a direct sentence.

Using plea bargaining to get what you want isn’t always the best option. Accepting a plea deal can be humiliating because you agree to be convicted even if you did not commit the crime charged. You could miss out on presenting a strong defense that would have gotten you off the hook.

Talk to A Felony Defence Attorney in Dallas

Our team at Chris Lewis & Associates P.C. will make an informed decision on whether or not to accept a plea bargain. If they do, they will bargain with vigor and confidence. We understand that pleading guilty will result in a criminal record and the possibility of incarceration, whereas winning will result in no criminal record.

If you’ve been charged with a crime, you’re probably curious about how the plea bargaining process works. Therefore, it is critical that you retain the services of an experienced attorney to assist you in constructing a strong defense. For more information, call 214-984-3113 or fill out our online form.