In many cases in Greeley Court, people will consider a Plea Bargain for the charges they face. A Plea Bargain in Weld County Courts involves the accused “defendant” or their defense lawyer discussing a settlement of the criminal charges which involves a reduction in the charges, for a guilty plea. Many times, this is the smart thing to do. In other cases, it is a really bad idea. Let’s discuss why you might want to take a Plea Bargain and why you may not.
Why You SHOULD Take a Plea Bargain in a Greeley Court
If the evidence against you is strong, and you will likely lose the case at trial, taking one is a good idea if it is a good bargain. Here are some ways to tell that the evidence against you is strong, and whether you will probably be convicted at trial:
- More than one witness says you committed the crime.
- You sent a text or voicemail with harmful admissions related to the crime.
- There is more than one video or photographic piece of evidence.
- You made admissions of guilt or wrongdoing which will make it easy for a jury to convict you.
- You have previously been convicted of a similar crime.
- The possible punishment if you lose at trial involves jail or prison, and the plea agreement does not allow you to be sent to incarceration.
- You have been given the opportunity for a temporary conviction and you believe it is likely you can meet your end of the bargain.
Why You Should NOT take a Plea Bargain in Weld County Court Cases
Since Plea bargains often result in a permanent conviction against you, be careful saying “yes” to one. For example, if your “Ex” is the one accusing you of a crime, she or he will likely use any conviction against you in future child custody or parenting time disputes. After a conviction, judges will think you are the bad person, and generally side with the “victim.” While most people are often real victims, many times they are not, and they use the allegation against you to hurt you in a separate domestic relations case.
Reasons you should NOT take a Plea Bargain:
- The Plea Bargain offer is equal to the worst thing which would happen to you if you went to trial and lost.
- You have a strong chance of winning at trial.
- You have at least one witness in your favor, who saw or heard what happened.
- You have video or audio recordings which prove you are telling the truth.
- You have a decent chance of winning at trial, and the Plea Bargain would cause you to lose your job or suffer a long-term harm such as child parenting time.
- You would have to register as a sex offender under the Plea Bargain, but have at least a 50% chance of winning at trial.
What Happens in the Greeley Court with a Plea Bargain?
If you are accepting a Plea Bargain in a Greeley Court, what happens is that the District Attorney will usually offer you a lesser charge. Next, they will prepare a detailed written “pleading” listing all the specifics of the deal. You must understand all of the collateral (related) consequences of that plea, such as what it will do to you, the cost, your rights, whether you will have to register as a sex offender, and how long will the consequences last. At court, the judge will dismiss your original charge AFTER you plead guilty to the Plea Bargain charge. You will likely end up on Probation or serving a jail or prison sentence, depending on the agreement. If you violate the Plea Bargain, you will generally lose the Probation and be sentenced to Jail or Prison. Be careful – many unexpected things can cause your Probation to be revoked and if revoked, you to be sent to in-custody time.