Want a Better Plea Deal? Hire a Qualified Criminal Defense Lawyer
The plea bargain may be a defendant’s last shot at leniency in a case that’s either going south or just not worth fighting. It’s estimated that upward of 90 percent of all convictions are the product of plea deals in the United States. Maybe you’re pleading guilty because you can’t afford the time and money associated with going to trial. Maybe you’re doing it in order to plead to a lesser charge, or maybe you’re just doing it because you don’t like your chances if the verdict goes to a jury. Whatever the reason, hiring the most qualified criminal defense lawyer is your best chance of securing a favorable plea agreement.
If your case needs to be plead out, the quality of your legal representation will be just as, if not more, important than any stage in your court proceedings. A skilled attorney can help compel the court to weigh the mitigating factors in your case, including your level of remorse, whether or not this is a first offense, your financial situation and anything else that may apply to the outcome of your situation.
The process isn’t as cut and dry as it is on television. Few plea agreements in real life are negotiated in three minutes. Unless it’s something like a traffic ticket or petty crime, it can be a rather involved game of back-and-forth between the prosecutor and your attorney.
Though they’ve become such a permanent fixture of our justice system, there are many times in which a prosecutor may be reluctant to entertain the idea of a plea bargain. If this is a third offense or they’re looking to make an example of you, they may push for the maximum penalty. This is where effective legal guidance will be most helpful. If you’re facing the possibility of major jail time or significant financial penalty, get the right plea deal by enlisting the help of the right lawyer.
John W. Tumelty is a successful, battle-tested criminal lawyer in Atlantic City, NJ. He will fight for you every step of the way in your legal dispute. This includes vigorously pursuing the most favorable plea agreements. Contact his office today for a free consultation