How Do Plea Deals Work in Indiana?
Most people have heard the term ‘plea deals’ or ‘plea bargains,’ at some point in their life. In many cases, people are familiar with these terms because they have seen them in movies and on television shows. In Indiana, plea deals are formally known as plea agreements, and when a person is charged with an offense, they often start wondering if they are eligible. Below, our Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer explains more about these agreements.
How Common are Plea Deals in Indiana?
In Indiana, plea agreements are not only extremely common, but they also serve as the standard method for resolving most criminal cases instead of going to trial. Mirroring national trends, more than 90 percent of criminal convictions are thought to be the result of plea deals. Still, they are not available in every criminal case.
The Indiana Code defines a plea agreement as an arrangement between a defendant and the prosecuting attorney to dispose of a misdemeanor or felony charge. While most defendants will be offered a plea agreement in Indiana, it is always advised to speak to an Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer.
What is the Purpose of Plea Agreements?
After the prosecuting attorney has offered a plea deal, the defendant can review it with their criminal defense lawyer. In many cases, it is also possible to negotiate the terms of a plea deal. For example, if the prosecuting attorney was offering to reduce a potential five-year sentence to just four, the defense attorney may negotiate for it to be reduced to two or three years.
With a plea agreement, the defendant pleads guilty. However, they may plead guilty to a lesser offense or they may plead guilty in exchange for a lower sentence. The purpose of plea agreements is to save the defendant the time, expenses, and emotional toll of a criminal trial while also easing the backlog of the court and preserving legal resources for cases that are more serious.
Misdemeanor vs. Felony Plea Agreements
Prosecuting attorneys have a great deal of discretion when offering plea agreements for misdemeanor offenses. And the Court often gives the parties a lot of leeway in resolving matters. But still, the court must review and accept all plea agreements for them to be final. The court can reject proposed plea agreements, at which time, the parties may try to renegotiate an agreement or proceed to trial.
Our Criminal Defense Lawyers in Indianapolis Can Help
If you or someone you love has been offered a plea deal, you need legal help. At Rigney Law, LLC, our Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer can provide it, negotiate the terms of the deal if necessary, and help ensure you receive the best outcome possible. Call us now at 317-623-0989 or contact us online to request a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Source:
law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-35/article-35/chapter-3/