In a criminal case, a plea bargain is an offer from the state of Oklahoma to accept a guilty verdict with a lesser sentence than you might have received if you’d gone to trial. The prosecuting attorney will often present a plea bargain to close your case more quickly, but is accepting one always the right choice?
If you’re facing felony or misdemeanor charges, you need experienced help from an Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney who understands the pros and cons of plea bargains and when one might be right for you.
When Does the State of Oklahoma Make Plea Bargain Offers?
Anytime you are facing a criminal charge, the prosecuting attorney is likely to present a plea bargain. The specific details of the offer depend on the evidence in your case and whether the State believes it can convict you at trial.
Pros of Accepting a Plea Bargain
The pros of taking a plea offer are that you get your case over with faster, you will probably serve less time, and you can start rebuilding your life right away after facing a criminal charge. You could even serve your time on probation, meaning you can live your life normally with some restrictions.
Your plea bargain might also include credit for any time you’ve already been incarcerated while waiting for a trial. Other potential options might be:
- Pleading guilty to a lesser charge, such as a misdemeanor instead of a felony, for gun charges in Oklahoma
- Serving 10 years in prison instead of 25
- Receiving 5 years of probation and 5 years of a deferred sentence instead of 10 years in prison
- The chance to expunge your record
- A suspended sentence where you follow probationary rules for a specific time, but will go to jail if you violate probation
Your offer might even include a combination of these items. The initial plea bargain is usually more in favor of the State than you, but your criminal defense lawyer can advise you on how to respond and negotiate on your behalf.
Cons of a Plea Bargain
The primary downside of accepting a plea bargain is that you must plead guilty, leaving you with a conviction and criminal record. This can be bad for a number of reasons, including:
- To put it plainly, you’re now a criminal in the eyes of the law.
- You may lose your job if your employer does not allow you to continue working with a conviction.
- A felony DUI conviction could affect your future employment, since many companies have policies against hiring convicted felons.
- If you’re arrested again, the plea bargain conviction could affect sentencing for the new case.
- You could lose your professional licensing if your guilty plea includes fraud or other white-collar crimes.
- You may still have to serve some time, which could affect your personal relationships, child custody arrangements, and employment.
Deciding whether to take a plea bargain is rarely easy, since the State wants to offer enough benefits to make it appealing but also serve justice against you. You need guidance from a highly skilled Oklahoma criminal defense attorney, so contact Josh Lee & Associates for a free consultation as soon as you’re charged or arrested.
