This week’s #fridayfacts breaks down plea bargains—agreements between defendants and prosecutors to resolve criminal cases.
Defendants always have the constitutional right to trial. They may also plead guilty “to the docket,” admitting all charges and leaving sentencing to the judge.
A plea bargain is a third option—negotiated resolution to plead guilty to a lesser offense or agreed sentence. Pleas save court time and can reflect proactive steps or weak evidence.
Judges rarely negotiate pleas; they only approve or reject them as fair.
Plea deals may include unique conditions—restitution, treatment programs, or anger management—that wouldn’t apply after a trial conviction.
Some plea deals, however, can be illegal if they reduce or dismiss charges improperly.
Because plea bargains vary, defendants should always consult experienced criminal defense counsel before agreeing.