What is plea bargaining in criminal defense law?

Plea bargaining is a common practice in criminal defense law in West Virginia. It is a process where a defendant is offered a reduced sentence in exchange for pleading guilty or no contest to a lesser charge. This process can help both the prosecutor and the defendant. The prosecutor may not have enough evidence to convict a defendant of a more serious crime, or the prosecutor may not want to take the case to a jury trial. With plea bargaining, the defendant may avoid a possible long prison sentence or may be able to plead down to a lesser charge. From the defendant’s perspective, it helps to reduce uncertainty about the outcome, as they know what the sentence will be rather than risking a guilty verdict if the case goes to trial. This can also save time and money for both sides since there will be no need for extended proceedings. While plea bargaining is considered a great tool for both sides, it can be dangerous for the defendant since they are forgoing a trial with a jury where they could potentially be found innocent. Additionally, the process can limit the defendant’s ability to raise a defense. It is important to discuss the options with a qualified lawyer if you are offered a plea bargain in a criminal case.

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What is plea bargaining in criminal defense law?

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