What Is the Difference Between Charge Bargaining and Sentence Bargaining?

– Ask a Leading Criminal Defense Attorney in Bossier City

Criminal charges take up time and resources, not only for the prosecutor but for you as well. Many things are going on at one time. Stress levels are high and your future is at stake. Maybe you will lose your job, or your freedom. One day you may want to wage the fight throughout the judicial process. Other days you may want to bargain with the prosecution. When facing criminal charges, it is crucial to seek out as many options as possible.

If the prosecution comes to your attorney with a plea bargain on the charges, how do you know if it is a good deal? An experienced criminal defense attorney will explain the difference between the various types of bargaining. If you need representation for your criminal charges, contact David L. White and his expert staff. Our law firm has years of experience, and we aggressively fight for your rights and help you get your life back on track.

Know why you may want to bargain and understand the difference between charge bargaining and sentence bargaining:

  1. Some reasons you may want to accept a plea deal:
    Living in a constant state of anxiety and uncertainty is unhealthy for you and your family. Accepting a plea bargain can mean a quicker resolution. Agreeing to a deal can also mean a reduction or elimination of jail time. It may help reduce undue publicity and the stigma of some charges. Additionally, a plea bargain can help resolve the issue quickly.
  2. What is charge bargaining?
    If the prosecution comes to you and your defense attorney with a plea agreement to lessen the charges you are facing, they are charge bargaining. In essence, you agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge than what was originally brought against you. For instance, maybe you are being charged for DUI and are offered reckless driving charges instead. Another example is having murder charges dropped to manslaughter.
  3. What is sentence bargaining?
    If the prosecution wants to bargain on the sentence, they want to lessen the amount of time you would serve. In other words, you agree to plead to the charges brought against you, but your confinement would be less than the maximum sentence. For instance, in exchange for you pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge, the prosecution recommends to the judge that you serve no jail time.

Remember: Facing trial is serious and intimidating. It is important that you not leave your future to chance by depending on the prosecutor to be on your side. Find a defense attorney that will aggressively fight for you and explain your rights and options.

Hire an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer in Bossier City, Louisiana

It is not worth trying to navigate the criminal legal system alone. Contact David L. White today for affordable and extensive legal representation. The legal professionals at our law practice will not only explain your options but will fight to get you the best deal possible.

Contact your criminal defense lawyer in Bossier City to find out more about plea bargains in Louisiana. Call us today at 318-747-7023.