What is Plea Bargaining?

MIAMI, FL, January 01, 2012 (Press-News.org) Plea bargaining is an ideal way to avoid stiff punishments for several criminal charges. Around 95 percent of all criminal cases are resolved with plea bargaining, a tactic your criminal defense attorney is very likely to use to assist you in avoiding long prison terms and hefty fines.

Plea bargaining is often in the best interest of everyone involved. From the perception of the court, plea bargaining allows a judge to more quickly move through court cases. From the prosecution's standpoint, a plea bargain still counts as a conviction. But the person who benefits most from a plea bargain is the accused.

Take for example a simple drug possession charge. In some states, this charge can carry with it several years in jail in addition to large fines. With plea bargaining, your criminal defense attorney can work to have your sentence lessened to include rehabilitation, community service, or another relative punishment. In instances such as these, you are able to get the help you need while still protecting your freedom and your future.

How to Plea Bargain

You should not attempt to plea bargain on your own. This is a process best left to your criminal defense attorney. Things your attorney may need to establish for a successful plea bargain include:

- The crime was a departure from your normal behavior
- Your responsibility for the crime was minimal
- The impact of your crime caused little damage
- There were special circumstances that led to your crime

In addition, your attorney will look for holes in the prosecution's case to discourage them from pursuing maximum penalties. With these holes, your attorney will work with the prosecution to find a mutually desirable sentence, and to see that justice is truly served.

When you work with an experienced criminal defense attorney, he will do everything possible to ensure minimal penalties. It is possible that a guilty verdict will have a tremendously negative impact on you and your family. Your criminal defense attorney will be devoted to ensuring you are treated fairly, and that you avoid the harsh penalties that can accompany many crimes.

If you live in or around the areas of Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm, or Ft. Myers, Florida and have been accused of committing a crime, please visit the website of the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Cochran Firm South Florida to see how we can help at http://www.cochranfirmsouthflorida.com.