Undergoing a criminal investigation can be an extremely stressful experience. It is often a lengthy process and in the meantime you are faced with an uncertain future. A conviction could mean the loss of your job, damage to your reputation, fines or even a prison sentence. In many cases, your instinct may be to deny everything and attempt to avoid conviction altogether.
However, this is not always the most sensible option. In some cases, you might feel that there is little chance of being found not guilty. However, all is not lost. As we have discussed previously, there are different options when in that situation. One option available to you is to negotiate a plea bargain. This means agreeing to plead guilty in exchange for the prosecution granting you some concessions.
A successful plea bargain may enable you to avoid jail time and could even result in a reduction of the charges against you. It can also get the ordeal over and done with quickly, with less hassle and less damage to your reputation. A plea bargain may also give you some peace of mind as you no longer face the possibility of receiving a maximum sentence.
Of course, every case is different and there are far more factors to consider when deciding whether to take a plea deal. Some of the pros and cons of this are explained in greater detail here. However, if you are unsure about any aspect of your defense, an attorney could be invaluable. He or she can help you understand the implications of a plea bargain and may be able to assist you in choosing the best course of action for you.
