Plea bargains are the most common resolution in criminal cases. Many clients want their cases to go away quietly, and of course are looking for the best deal possible. While it’s impossible to change the “what happened” that got you in trouble, there are steps you can take to ensure you get the best deal possible from this point forward. This article discusses a few ways in which you can maximize the possibility that you get a good plea bargain resolution in your criminal case.
Be Proactive
Once on probation the judge will likely have you perform certain requirements. These requirements could include community service of educational classes. Get a head start on the requirements. This will make a good impression on the prosecutor and judge. I often tell clients to take a certain class before we get to court. That way I can show the prosecutor how seriously the client is taking the matter. The prosecutor might be impressed enough to give a slightly better deal because the client took initiative. Getting these requirements done ahead of time can only help.
Talk to your lawyer before going ahead and being proactive. This will ensure that your proactiveness is being rewarded and is productive. The last thing we want is for you to doing everything under the sun with the illusion that it will get you the best deal of all time. That would be counterproductive. Speak with your attorney about meaningful activities you can take while conserving your energy and time.
Save Up Restitution If Necessary
In many cases, restitutions may be ordered by the judge. Restitution is an amount of money designed to compensate a victim of a crime for the victim’s loss. Restitution is common in theft crimes, such retail fraud and embezzlement, and also automobile-related crimes, such as leaving the scene of an accident. Save up for restitution before being ordered to provide it. This will enable your lawyer to tell the prosecutor that restitution is on its way. Prosecutors want to hear this. It will help the prosecutor get you a better deal. You want your lawyer to be able to go into any plea bargain negotiation with the knowledge that you are ready and able to pay restitution upfront.
Conclusion
Again, you can’t change the past. Whatever happened that got you in trouble already happened. But we can be proactive in fixing the situation before getting to court and while the court process is playing out. This will greatly increase your chance of getting a good plea bargain resolution. This article focuses on two straightforward methods to be proactive that will help you get the plea deal you’re looking for.
Author Bio
Sam Bernstein of ArborYpsi Law is a criminal defense lawyer in Washtenaw County, Michigan. Sam can be reached at 734.883.9584 or e-mail at bernstein@arborypsilaw.com. ArborYpsi Law is located at 4158 Ann Arbor, MI 48108.
