When Should You Accept a Plea Bargain?
If you are facing criminal charges, you might have been offered a plea deal. But before you agree to anything, you need to understand what a plea bargain is and what accepting it actually means. Let’s take a look at how plea deals work and how accepting one might affect your future.
What Is a Plea Bargain?
A plea bargain or “plea deal” is an agreement between the prosecution and the defendant. It means the defendant will plead guilty to a crime in exchange for a lighter sentence. Accepting a plea bargain means avoiding a trial, as the case will immediately proceed to sentencing. However, it also means accepting a criminal record and living with those consequences.
Remember: Plea Bargains and Making a Plea Are Not the Same
While these terms sound similar, they are not the same. Making a plea happens during your arraignment (your first appearance in court after being arrested). This is when you tell the judge if you are guilty, not guilty, or pleading no contest.
If you intend to plead “not guilty,” the prosecution might offer a “plea bargain” to try to get a conviction. They will try to make you think that the evidence against you is so strong that you should plead guilty to lesser charges in order to avoid more severe ones. For instance, they might offer to drop the charges from a felony to a misdemeanor.
What Does It Mean to Accept a Plea Bargain?
When you accept a plea bargain the next steps are dependent on the specifics of your agreement with the prosecution. Typically, a plea deal means one of three things.
- Lesser Charges: This is when the prosecution will offer a drop in the severity of the charges, either from a felony down to a misdemeanor, or from a higher class of crime to a lower one.
- Decreased Number of Charges: If the prosecution is making multiple charges, they might offer to drop one or more of them in exchange for a guilty plea.
- Leniency in Sentencing: The prosecution can recommend lesser sentences such as community service, rehabilitation programs, or probation rather than jail or prison time.
When Should You Accept a Plea Bargain?
Taking a plea deal means you will have a criminal record. Criminal records are usually permanent, although there are a few special circumstances where you can apply to have the records sealed.
That being said, there are times when accepting a plea bargain is a good idea. For instance, if you:
- Want to avoid a trial
- Are facing lengthy incarceration time
- Are willing to accept a criminal record in exchange for a lighter sentence
Then it’s a good idea to accept the plea bargain, pay the fines, and serve your sentence.
Remember: Plea Bargains Should Always Be Reviewed by an Attorney
Because accepting a plea bargain means a criminal sentence, you should always consult a defense attorney before agreeing to anything. They can advise you on whether or not it’s a good idea to accept a plea bargain. They can also negotiate with the prosecution to secure even better terms.
If you are looking for a criminal defense attorney in Scottsdale, come to Van Norman Law. With over 25 years of experience, we can help you get the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for a consultation, and we will advise you on how to deal with the charges against you.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (1/7/2026). Photo by Cytonn Photography on Unsplash