Many people facing criminal charges do not want to go to trial. In fact, statistics indicate that the vast majority of those accused of breaking the law plead guilty or engage in plea bargaining instead of defending against the charges they face.
Negotiating a plea deal is different than simply pleading guilty. It involves cooperating with the prosecutor to limit the consequences of criminal allegations. Individuals accused of a drug-related crime in Texas face relatively harsh penalties and may worry about the impact of a criminal record on their future as well.
What do those hoping to negotiate a favorable plea bargain need to know about plea deals in Texas drug cases in particular?
There are several types of arrangements available
Not all plea bargains involve the same process or have the same effect. There are plea deals that focus on the charges the defendant faces. Prosecutors may agree to withdraw the initial charges and accept a guilty plea to a lesser offense in many cases.
Defense attorneys sometimes negotiate sentencing plea deals. These involve taking certain penalties off the table in exchange for the defendant entering a guilty plea. There can even be fact bargaining cases in which the prosecutor agrees to only present certain details during the hearing where they present the plea bargain to the judge. Each type of plea bargain offers different protections to the defendant facing charges.
Agreements should be in writing
The unfortunate reality for criminal defendants is that they may face an uphill battle when seeking fair treatment. Police officers can overtly lie to people about the penalties they face and the consequences of their choices. Police officers sometimes promise to help obtain lenience for defendants but do not follow through on those promises.
Generally speaking, a plea deal must come from the prosecutor and must be in writing for it to have any impact on the outcome of a criminal case. The average defendant may not be in a position to negotiate on their own behalf due to a lack of knowledge and the intensity of their emotions.
They may benefit from partnering with a criminal defense attorney who can advise them of their best options and handle official communications with the prosecutor. It may be possible for people to avoid jail time, a particularly serious criminal infraction on their record and other negative official records with the right support during a criminal case.
Discussing the options for a potential plea bargain with a skilled legal team could help a defendant facing drug charges choose the most effective response given their circumstances. Those who negotiate a plea deal can sometimes avoid the worst outcomes possible and can minimize the lasting impacts that criminal accusations have on their lives.
