Law Office of Michael L. Fell
900 Roosevelt Irvine, CA 92620
(949) 585-9055

Do You Have Questions About Plea Bargains in California? Get the Answers You Need

If you are considering taking a plea bargain for a criminal charge in California, you likely have questions about the best possible way to do so. At Law Office of Michael L. Fell we are happy to answer any questions you might have about the process. In the meantime, you can read on for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

How Common is it for a Case to End in a Plea Bargain?

It is very common. In fact, without plea bargains the criminal justice system would be bogged down and trials would take years longer than they. Statistics vary but experts generally agree that more than 90% of all criminal convictions are the result of a plea bargain.

Is a Plea Bargain Always a Possibility?

It is always possible that the District Attorney could offer you a plea bargain and that you could accept it, but they are not offered in every case. Generally speaking, the stronger their case is, the less likely a prosecutor will be to offer an advantageous plea deal.

When Should I Consider a Plea Bargain?

It depends on your case. If you know that you are not likely to win if your case goes to court, then it might be wise to seek a plea bargain earlier rather than later. This can save you from the cost, stress, and time that goes along with a trial. However, your criminal defense attorney can give you advice on your specific case and when it is best to consider a plea bargain.

What Types of Plea Bargaining Are There?

There are two main options. Charge bargaining refers to reducing the charge or having certain charges dropped. For example, a felony charge might be reduced to a misdemeanor in exchange for the defendant’s guilty plea. Sentence bargaining refers to negotiating for a lighter penalty if the defendant agrees to plead guilty. It might be less time in prison or an alternative to incarceration could be offered, such as house arrest or probation.

How Can I Get the Best Possible Plea Bargain?

The job of the prosecutor is to get the maximum penalty for parties they believe are guilty. It is unlikely that their first offer is going to be their best offer. “Bargain” is part of this term for a good reason – you can negotiate. However, you are much more likely to get a fair offer if you are working with a criminal defense attorney.

If you would like to find out what your options are and learn more about how we can help rigorously negotiate for the best possible outcome, contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a free legal consultation.