Should You Accept A Plea Bargain If You Are Facing A Federal Criminal Charge?

If you or someone else in your life was arrested and charged with a federal crime, you are probably feeling totally overwhelmed. Going up against federal prosecutors is scary. You may be considering a plea agreement. The Department of Justice (DOJ) explains that plea bargaining is a deal between the government and the defendant to avoid trial.

Is it the right choice for your case? It might be. There are positives to plea deals—but there are also some downsides. The answer to whether it is the best path forward always depends on the specific situation. Within this blog post, our Orlando federal criminal defense attorney explains the key considerations that you should keep in mind when evaluating a plea bargain.

The Pros of Taking a Plea in a Federal Criminal Case 

A plea agreement may be the best option to resolve a federal criminal case. Here are some of the potential pros associated with taking plea agreement in Florida:

• Reduced Charges: When you accept a plea bargain in a federal criminal case, one of the major benefits is the possibility of facing reduced charges. With a plea agreement, the original (more serious) charge might be lessened to a less serious offense. For instance, a felony charge could potentially be reduced to a misdemeanor.
• Less Severe Sentence: Another advantage of a plea deal is the likelihood of receiving a less severe sentence. If you were to go to trial and get convicted, the sentence might be much harsher. By agreeing to a plea bargain, you could potentially reduce your time in prison or even avoid jail time altogether.
• Avoidance of Trial: A criminal trial can be stressful, time-consuming, and costly. While you always have the right to take your case to trial, it is not always the right option. Trials carry significant risks. By accepting a plea bargain, you avoid the unpredictability and public exposure of a trial. 

The Cons of Taking a Plea in a Federal Criminal Case 

A plea agreement is not always beneficial. There are absolutely some potential downsides. Here are two major cons to plea agreements in federal cases in Florida:

• No Direct Challenge to Flawed Case: One downside to accepting a plea bargain is that you miss the opportunity to directly challenge a potentially flawed case against you. If there are weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, a plea agreement may not allow you to address them.
• Admission of Guilt: Taking a plea bargain usually means you have to admit guilt, even if you believe you are innocent. The admission can have long-term consequences, including a criminal record that might affect future opportunities. 

Plea Bargain is Reached Through a Negotiation 

Not all plea bargains are created equal. A plea agreement is reached through a negotiation process. For this reason, it is imperative that you have a top-tier criminal defense attorney on your side. An experienced lawyer can negotiate terms that are more favorable to you. 

Contact Our Orlando, FL Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

At The Baez Law Firm, our Orlando federal criminal defense attorney has the specialized skills, experience, and legal expertise that you can trust when it matters most. Call us right away or contact us directly online to arrange your confidential consultation with a top-tier federal criminal defense lawyer. We defend federal charges throughout Florida.