In our experience, most federal cases don’t reach trial and verdict stages. This is meant to help the courts cut their litigation costs, reduce the backlog, and save the time that would have been spent solving criminal cases.
Most prosecutors often try to persuade the accused into accepting a lesser charge through plea bargains by imposing the highest possible accusation on the defendant.
Similarly, many criminal defense attorneys will propose a plea bargain to their clients to help shorten their sentences, provide more certainty on the outcome of the case, and save them both money and time.
There are three types of plea bargains, which include:
• Charge Bargaining - here, our criminal defense attorney will plead for a reduction in the seriousness of the charge. For instance, a murder case could try to be reduced to a charge of manslaughter.
• Sentence bargaining - here we advise you to plead guilty to the charge as a bargaining chip for a shorter sentence. It is however not offered easily and a judge must review the case beforehand.
• Fact bargaining - this involves agreeing to some facts in order for other facts to be disregarded during litigation. It is the least common type of plea bargain.
What Should a Client Expect from a Federal Plea Bargain Prosecution?
While plea bargains may reduce the charges, we’d like you to know that such deals are not always final. The sentence offered by the prosecutors often serves as a recommendation to the judge. The federal judges may choose to change a sentence that they deem fit while considering the recommendation from the prosecutors.
In addition, the federal sentencing guidelines still apply. For instance, the law outlines the base offense level, which may increase based on some factors surrounding the case. The plea bargain will, therefore, adhere to these guidelines.
What Happens If You Don’t Take the Plea Bargain?
First, it is important to know that the prosecutor is not under any obligation to re-offer the plea deal once it’s refuted. If they have all the necessary witnesses, the case will proceed to trial.
However, our federal crimes attorney will caution you that a loss at trial will result in a more severe sentence. On the flip side, you may be able to recover the rights for an appeal in case the scales are tipped on your side.
How our Attorneys Can Help You
The pressure and stress associated with the uncertainty of federal cases can be overwhelming. We know that more than anyone and are willing to offer you a lifeline through our vastly experienced and competent federal crimes attorneys. The attorneys at Foley Griffin will be able to discuss your options and breakdown what your best odds are at a favorable outcome.
Contact our firm at (888) 966-8480 for a no-fee consultation to discuss your case.