Reasons to Take a Plea Deal
A shoplifting lawyer Fairfax VA tends to consult can tell you how criminal cases can be resolved out of court by both sides coming to an agreement. To save the courts from a long drawn out, time-consuming trial, to reduce the cost to the defendant and to lessen the crime and/or sentence that one is charged with, a defendant may want to enter into a plea bargain.
A plea bargain is where the defense and prosecution make a deal that each side agrees upon. A defendant may plead guilty to a lesser charge and possibly have other charges connected to the crime reduced or even dismissed. It also can involve a guilty plea, with the prosecution recommending lighter sentencing. Most choose the “plea bargain” option because of the following:
- Defendants can avoid the publicity a trial could involve, the risk of harsher punishment, and the time and cost of going to trial.
- The prosecution saves the time and cost of a long trial.
Dave Albo – Attorney is a firm well versed in helping clients understand plea bargains and navigate through the criminal defense process accordingly. When you need the representation of a shoplifting lawyer in Fairfax VA, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our firm. To schedule your initial consultation, call Dave Albo – Attorney at (703) 455-0046.
Accepting a Plea Deal
Your shoplifting lawyer Fairfax VA relies on can tell you that there are always risks to consider when going to trial for a criminal charge. One is that you never know what the outcome will be; accepting a plea deal gives the defendant a clear idea of what lies ahead. Charge bargaining is the most common type of plea deal. This is where the prosecution and defense negotiate a lesser charge for the defendant. When a charge bargain is brought before the state, in all likelihood, the state will reduce or even dismiss other charges that have been brought against the defendant. For instance, charges for murder might be reduced to manslaughter, and charges for burglary may be reduced to trespassing.
Court Diversion
Aside from taking a plea deal when a lesser crime has taken place, an experienced shoplifting lawyer Fairfax VA recommends can give you other alternatives that some opt to use. In some states, there are various diversion programs for the defendant, such as counseling or participating in a rehabilitation program. To qualify, the defendant cannot have any prior offenses. Typical offenses that use the court diversion:
- Non-violent crimes
- DUI
- Drug charges
- Minor traffic offenses
- Petty theft
There are several reasons that a defendant will choose a plea bargain or court diversion. As mentioned before, the court process can be expensive, lengthy, and possibly become public as well as the uncertainty of the outcome. It is highly recommended that the defendant consult with a shoplifting lawyer Fairfax VA residents know well when negotiating a plea bargain or entering into a court diversion.
Work With an Experienced Fairfax Shoplifting Lawyer
When you need the assistance of a criminal defense attorney, you deserve someone who will be committed to your case and to securing the best possible outcome for you. At Dave Albo – Attorney, we put our clients first and are serious about seeking justice for them, and do our utmost to reduce their charges or negotiate for them.
To schedule your consultation with a shoplifting lawyer Fairfax VA trusts, call Dave Albo – Attorney at (703) 455-0046.