There are many avenues that an experienced criminal defense lawyer can take to help protect your rights and avoid your criminal charge. In this article, experienced Buffalo criminal defense attorney Robert Friedman discusses helpful information about plea bargaining. If you have been charged with a crime, please contact our office today to protect your future.
Information About Plea Bargaining | What Is It?
Most criminal cases are resolved through plea bargaining, which occurs with a prosecutor’s consent any time up until a jury renders its verdict or the defendant enters a guilty plea. However, you must understand that, by entering a plea through a plea bargaining agreement, you are giving up your right to a trial and the right to confront your accusers. You may also incriminate yourself. If you are charged with a crime, you should consult with a Buffalo criminal attorney as soon as possible to determine whether your case can, or should, be plea bargained.
Information About Plea Bargaining | Steps in a Criminal Case
In a criminal case, there are four basic steps. First is the arraignment when, as a defendant, you are brought before the judge and assigned an attorney if you do not have one. The charges against you will be read, and you will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. If you enter a plea of guilty – which I do not recommend – you will be scheduled for sentencing. The second step is submission of pretrial motions and discovery requests. We will demand discovery of the prosecution’s evidence in order to defend you. The third step is the trial, which could be trial before a jury or non-jury. The final step is sentencing. Plea bargaining may take place during the course of these four steps, and most cases are disposed of by plea bargaining if it is permitted by the prosecutor. It is important that you contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as you are charged with a crime so that the attorney can be with you at the arraignment.
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