Michigan Plea Agreements Explained

We all make mistakes in life. Sometimes those mistakes can result in criminal charges. Whether it’s getting behind the wheel after having too many drinks or losing your cool and getting into a fistfight, it is not uncommon to be charged with a crime at some point in your life. When this happens, you are still presumed to be innocent until you are found guilty. But there are times where instead of fighting the charges, you may want to negotiate with the prosecutor to resolve the matter and move on with your life. A negotiated resolution to the charges against you is known as a plea agreement. But before you enter into an agreement, you will want to educate yourself on the plea negotiation process and the consequences of doing so.

What Are Plea Agreements?
When you are charged with a crime, you must enter what is known as a plea. A plea is your response to the charges that have been filed against you. Your options are: guilty, not guilty, and no contest. You will be asked by the judge to enter your plea early in the criminal justice process.
Generally speaking, if you plan to contest the charges, then you will enter a plea of not guilty. If you do not plan to fight the charges and wish to resolve the matter, then you and your lawyer will have an opportunity to discuss the charges with the prosecutor in hopes of securing a favorable outcome. Typically, the prosecutor will require you to enter a plea of guilty in exchange for a lighter sentence or a less serious charge.

If you and the prosecutor come to an agreement, this is known as a plea agreement. Still, you must be mindful that even if you and the prosecutor come to an agreement, it will have to be approved by the judge. If the judge thinks the agreement is too lenient or does not believe that you are remorseful, then they may reject the agreement.

Should I Enter Into A Plea Agreement?
To determine whether you should enter into a plea agreement, it is recommended that you consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Your attorney will be able to look at your case and advise you on whether you should make a deal or fight the charges in court. This may involve evaluating the strength of the evidence against you and looking at the likelihood of whether the prosecutor will be able to prove the charges against you.

Your attorney will also be able to negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf to secure the best outcome for you. Criminal defense attorneys often work in collaboration with prosecutors to provide a fair and quick resolution to criminal charges. No one will be able to better assist you in making the decision to enter into a plea agreement than an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with an offense in Michigan, and the prosecutor has offered you a plea bargain, then you owe it to yourself to get an experienced criminal defense attorney involved for guidance and direction. Don’t decide without getting solid legal advice. Law Offices of Ravi R. Gurumurthy, PLC is focused on defending people who are charged with crimes in Michigan. We can explain your legal options, including whether the plea bargain is worth taking. Reach out to Ravi R. Gurumurthy, PLC, by calling (231) 577-1580 or contacting us online.