Plea Bargains in Murder and Manslaughter Cases: Should You Consider One?

If you’re facing accusations of murder or manslaughter, it may be worth considering a plea bargain to reduce your trial time and curb the charges you may face. However, plea deals aren’t the perfect fix for every case. It’s worth your time to discuss a bargain with a criminal defense attorney to determine whether or not one is right for you.

Our board-certified team at Fighter Law, including Thomas Feiter and Jessica Travis, are here to protect your rights and explore the process of a plea bargain to determine if it’s the right course of action for your case. 

What Is a Plea Bargain?

A plea bargain is an agreement that a defendant and the prosecutor come to when the defendant faces accusations of criminal misconduct. Plea bargains usually allow the prosecution to change or reduce the original charge the defense faces in exchange for information that may streamline a different investigation.

Plea bargains generally speed up the legal process, ensuring that a criminal case can make it through the system in a reasonable amount of time. These bargains are also generally beneficial in some way for both parties.

Plea bargains most commonly appear on the negotiation table during homicide cases. These bargains tend to make homicide cases proceed faster and can eliminate the need for a trial.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of a Plea Bargain

Plea bargains may resolve some cases faster than others, but they’re not a fix-all for the legal system. It’s up to a defendant to choose whether or not accepting a plea bargain is within their best interests. 

We always recommend discussing the place a plea bargain has in your fight for justice with an experienced criminal defense attorney. Criminal defense attorneys can walk you through the pros and cons of a plea bargain. 

The Positives of a Plea Bargain

The advantages of accepting a plea bargain can include the following:

• Reduced sentences: Since plea bargains must benefit all parties involved in an arrangement, yours should reduce the sentence brought against you, thereby limiting your fines, jail time, and other legal consequences.
• Increased control: Plea bargains also allow anyone accused of a crime some control over what their future may look like. Having a say over the consequences you may face for an alleged crime can make those consequences more bearable.
• Streamlining the legal process: The criminal system is not the fastest process in the world. If you don’t accept a plea bargain, your case may drag on for months or even years. If you do accept a bargain, you can resolve your case considerably faster.
• Eligibility for rehabilitation programs: Agreeing to a plea bargain may increase your eligibility for rehabilitation programs, many of which can serve as alternatives to extended jail time or other legal consequences.

Remember, it’s entirely up to you and your lawyer to decide whether or not to accept a plea deal.

The Negatives of a Plea Bargain

The downsides of a plea bargain may include the following:

• Waiving key rights: Accepting a plea bargain means you waive your right to appeal the decisions made by the court overseeing your case.
• Long-term consequences: While plea bargains can reduce the amount of time you spend in court and reduce the consequences you face for an alleged crime, these bargains do not prevent criminal accusations from showing up on your record. 

It’s with these risks in mind that we strongly encourage anyone facing criminal charges to carefully consider whether or not accepting a plea bargain is in their best interests.

Reach Out to Fighter Law For Support Today

Plea bargains are one of many tools available to defendants trying to navigate the criminal system. Jessica Travis and Thomas Feiter will discuss a potential plea bargain with you, weigh the value of the bargain against the strength of your case, and make legal recommendations based on your circumstances.

If you want to secure essential representation, contact Fighter Law Firm for a case consultation. Reach out online or call (407) 344-4837 today.

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