In the criminal justice system, plea agreements play a significant role in shaping the trajectory of cases and resolving outcomes efficiently and effectively. A plea agreement – also known as a plea bargain or plea deal – involves you, the defendant, agreeing to accept a specific sentence or to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for concessions from the prosecution.
No matter the severity of your sentence, negotiating a plea agreement takes careful consideration of various factors, as well as strategic decision-making. You can’t trust these important tasks to some random lawyer off the street, on a bus stop, or on a billboard. The Combs Waterkotte crime defense lawyers are here to help. Call us as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case review where you can discuss the specifics of your case and get expert legal advice.
With over 60 years of combined experience, our criminal defense attorneys have the skill and knowledge to defend your rights, your reputation, and your future. Here, we’ll explore how our skilled crime defense lawyers can help throughout the plea negotiation process and secure a favorable result.
Understanding Plea Agreements: How a Combs Waterkotte Crime Defense Lawyer Can Help
While having your charges dropped entirely is a desirable goal, the reality is that, in many instances, negotiating a plea agreement that results in minimized penalties becomes a viable option for reaching a favorable outcome. The Combs Waterkotte legal team always has your best interests in mind, and will work tenaciously to reach the best possible outcome. We don’t take any admission of guilt on your part lightly; rather we use it as a last resort of sorts. Therefore, the goal in plea agreements extends beyond mere negotiations, it involves crafting a strategic defense tailored specifically to the circumstances of your case.
Our crime defense lawyers take the following steps in the plea agreement negotiation process:
Assessing the Specifics of Your Case
Before entering into plea negotiations, we will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your case – reviewing all available evidence, analyzing strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution’s side, and evaluating potential defense strategies. This assessment helps our team understand your legal position and determine whether even pursuing a plea agreement is in your best interest.
Discussing Your Options
While you absolutely have the ultimate decision when it comes to a plea agreement, one of the essential roles of our defense attorney is to educate and guide you on your options. We’ll go through everything step-by-step, explaining the potential benefits and drawbacks of agreeing to a plea agreement rather than going to trial. We take into account several factors, including the likelihood of success at trial, the potential consequences of a conviction, and your own circumstances and priorities.
Give our crime defense lawyers a call right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out to us online for more information regarding plea agreements.
Protecting Your Best Interests
Our primary responsibility is to protect your interests vigorously, throughout the plea agreement negotiation process. We’ll advocate for the best possible outcome, ensuring that any plea agreement is fair, just, and in your best interest. This could include seeking favorable terms, like reduced charges, dismissal of certain claims, or recommendations for alternative sentencing options, including:
- Suspended Imposition of a Sentence (SIS)
- Suspended Execution of a Sentence (SES)
- House Arrest
- Probation
- Fines & Restitution
- Deferred Adjudication
- Community Service
Negotiating with the Prosecution
Negotiating a plea agreement calls for skillful advocacy and effective communication skills – perfect for a think-on-your-feet type of lawyer, just like the Combs Waterkotte crime defense team. After speaking with you, If it seems the best course of action, we will engage in discussions with prosecutors to reach a mutually acceptable resolution. This often takes a lot of time and could involve proposing alternative charges – much like the ones mentioned above – presenting mitigating factors, or offering concessions in exchange for favorable terms, like reduced charges or lenient sentencing.
How a Crime Defense Lawyer Can Help Negotiate a Plea Agreement | Combs Waterkotte
Regardless of the specific circumstances of your case, negotiating a plea agreement is a complex and nuanced process that calls for careful consideration and strategic decision-making. You need an expert crime defense lawyer to navigate the process effectively and efficiently, securing the best possible outcome. From assessing the strengths and weaknesses of your case to advocating for favorable terms, Combs Waterkotte is here to help you during these challenging times.
Call us immediately at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a confidential, no-strings-attached consultation.