Plea Bargaining

What is a plea agreement?

A plea bargain, or plea agreement, is an offer between a defense attorney and a prosecutor regarding the formal charges levied against a defendant. This offer typically seeks reduced charges (thereby leading to decreased penalties) rather than the full punishment that is available to, and can be served by the court. While a plea bargain can be very beneficial to a person charged with a crime, it also is in no way a guarantee. It is a negotiation between both sides in a court case, and a prosecutor has the full right to withdraw the offer at any time.

If you have been charged with a crime, it is recommended that you contact a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer who can discuss the specifics of your case, and your legal options. If a plea bargain is an option, they may be able to assist you in securing that option, and allowing you to avoid penalties such as jail or prison time.

Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney

Plea bargains are governed not by criminal law, but by contract law. A plea bargain is secured upon the signing of a contract, and as such, can be withdrawn at any point before performance takes place. Performance is considered complete when the court accepts the offer, rather than the defense or prosecution accepting the offer. At Martinian & Associates, we have tried a large number of criminal cases, including those that involved plea bargaining. We are experienced in working towards a solution that is intended to serve the best interests of our clients, and we can do the same for you in your criminal case. Contact our offices right away, and we will discuss a legal strategy that is designed to help you avoid facing severe punishment in the aftermath of your case.

If you have been charged with a crime, contact a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who can discuss your legal options, including a possible plea bargain.