Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases

Drug Crime Defense Attorneys Providing Guidance to Individuals in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Throughout Michigan Regarding Plea Bargaining in Cases Involving Drugs

As experienced and highly regarded Michigan drug crimes attorneys, we understand that there are situations in which individuals charged with drug crimes including possession or possession with intent may believe it is in their best interest to accept a plea bargain. At Grabel & Associates, we recommend that you consult with a skilled drug crime lawyer before making a decision on whether to accept a plea bargain. Each situation is different; the facts or circumstances surrounding your case may be instrumental in determining whether a plea bargain is right for you.

The fact is there are times when it is in the best interest of a defendant to negotiate a plea deal with prosecutors, and times when it is not advised. Unfortunately, many individuals agree to a plea bargain simply as a way to lessen the time they would spend in jail, when the facts of the case had it gone to trial may have resulted in an acquittal.

Essentially, there are circumstances in which you should protect your right to a jury trial, rather than accepting the prosecutor's plea agreement deal so that he/she can quickly move you through the legal system in order to avoid bogging things down. When you have a strong factual case and accept a plea agreement, it may be in the prosecutor's favor, not your own. This is why you should speak with a competent attorney before accepting a plea bargain.

Plea Bargaining May Seem to Favor the Defendant, But Plea Agreements Actually Favor the State

You may believe that when a prosecutor is willing to "deal" or offer you a plea bargain, it's because it is in your best interest. The truth is that plea agreements are in the best interest of the state; the legal justice system is not interested in making things easier for you.

Prosecutors often times offer an individual who has been charged with a drug crime a plea bargain because in truth, he or she does not have substantial evidence and has a weak case against you. By getting the defendant to agree to a plea bargain, the prosecutor doesn't face the embarrassment of losing at trial, and you are moved through the legal system quickly. The only thing a prosecutor wants is a conviction; his or her intention is not to "help you out" by offering a plea bargain!

Michigan Drug Crime Defense Lawyers Urge You Not to Choose the Path of Least Resistance

It is understandable that many individuals feel they would rather plead guilty and possibly be given a reduced sentence than to risk their freedom in a fight to uphold their innocence; it seems a chance that you don't want to take. A compassionate Michigan criminal defense attorney who is dedicated to obtaining the best possible result for his or her client will carefully analyze the situation to determine if it would indeed by in the client's best interest to accept a plea bargain.

If the facts of the case strongly support your innocence, it should be tried in court. If you automatically assume that a plea bargain is in your best interest, there is no chance of winning or being found not guilty. You are essentially admitting your guilt. Never plead guilty or simply "throw in the towel" when you did not commit a crime involving drugs in the hopes of minimizing the sentence.

Accepting a Plea Bargain Can Result in Further Damage

Should you accept a plea bargain in your drug case, it may be that your forfeit your right to appeal. This means that if you are sentenced more harshly than you expected because you pleaded guilty or no contest, you may not be able to appeal the sentence.

Our Michigan Drug Crimes Defense Lawyers Work to Determine if a Plea Bargain is in the Client's Best Interest

At Grabel & Associates, we realize that there are situations in which it may be to your advantage to accept a plea bargain - but this is not usually the case.

If you have been arrested for a drug crime, the smartest move you can make in your own defense is to speak with a skilled and aggressive attorney with a winning track record. We are widely known across the state of Michigan for being one of the most effective drug crime defense firms, reaching positive results for our clients.

We give every client the personal attention and dedicated approach you deserve. Contact us today at 800-342-7896 for a free evaluation of your case. We are available 24/7. Do not put it off. Call today