When you’ve been charged with a serious criminal offense, the future can look bleak, especially in light of the potential penalties that you could face. And as you navigate your case, you’ll have to decide whether you want to fight the charges in court or try to position yourself for a favorable plea deal where you can avoid the harshest penalties under the law.
It’s a tough decision to consider, and it’s one that only you can make. That said, let’s look at some factors that you might want to take into account as you analyze your options.
Factors to consider when a plea deal is on the table
You obviously want to make the best criminal defense decisions that protect your freedom and your future as much as possible. Therefore, when you’re considering whether to take your case to trial or resolve it through a plea bargain, consider the following:
- The strength of the prosecution’s evidence.
- The effectiveness of the defenses you’re able to present at trial.
- Any issues with the credibility of the prosecution’s witnesses.
- The difference between the penalties imposed by the plea deal and those that may be on the table if you take your case to trial and lose.
- Any evidentiary issues that you might be able to exploit to your advantage at trial.
Don’t let the prosecution steer your criminal defense
Ultimately, you have to make the decisions that you think are right for you. But you shouldn’t make that choice blindly. Instead, you should carefully consider your criminal defense options as well as their risks and potential rewards. Your attorney can help guide you through this consideration so that you understand the law’s applicability to your situation, and so that you can act in ways that give you control over your criminal defense and your future.