When Is a Plea Agreement the Right Choice in a Criminal Case

Every criminal case is unique and must be evaluated based on the strength of the available evidence and the specific circumstances. Many cases are resolved with plea deals, and while these agreements can be an excellent choice, they are not always the right option.

When you enter a plea agreement, you admit that you are guilty of the applicable charge, which is very likely to be a lesser charge than you originally faced. Our experienced Cumming, GA, criminal defense attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland will fiercely advocate for your case’s best possible resolution while helping you make the right choices for you.

Your Criminal Case in Cumming

In Georgia, plea agreements are negotiated between the state or prosecutor and the person charged. These deals involve the defendant, or the person charged, agreeing to plead guilty or no contest in exchange for one of the following:

• A reduction in the seriousness of the charge, which is called charge bargaining
• A reduction in the sentence faced, which is called sentence bargaining
• The omission of aggravating factors that might support a steeper sentence, which is called fact bargaining

Your criminal case in Cumming will be heard at the Forsyth County Courthouse, and the specific court depends on the charge level. The Superior Court hears major felony cases like grand theft, murder, and aggravated assault, while the State Court generally hears lesser crimes.

When a Plea Deal Is Generally Considered the Best Option

There are specific situations in which accepting an advantageous plea deal is generally considered the best legal option.

Facing Insurmountable Evidence

If the state has highly convincing evidence against you that the court deems admissible, entering a plea agreement might be the best path forward.

Prioritizing a Sure Thing

If uncertainty regarding the outcome of your case haunts you, it can make accepting a plea deal very motivating. You can also look forward to a quicker resolution, which many defendants consider beneficial.

Avoiding Collateral Consequences

If you are a noncitizen or require professional licensure to continue working in your field, a plea deal that reduces the charge against you to something below the threshold for action can prove invaluable. This can mean avoiding deportation or losing your job.

A seasoned criminal defense lawyer will carefully consider the circumstances of your case, the strength of your defense, and your priorities in their focused efforts to help.

It’s Time to Consult with Our Experienced Cumming, GA, Criminal Defense Lawyers

Our trusted Cumming, GA, criminal defense attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland have a wealth of experience defending our clients’ rights and pursuing optimal case outcomes, and we are here for you, too. For more information about everything we can do to help, please don’t delay reaching out by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 770-887-1209 today.