When facing criminal charges in Idaho, there are several routes that a case can take, which means there are several ways a case can be resolved.
In the American legal system, all people accused of a crime are deemed innocent until proven guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt” in a court of law. To prove guilt, a prosecutor must convince a jury or court, using evidence (DNA, witness testimony, physical evidence, photographs or video, expert testimony, etc.) that the defendant is guilty of committing every element of a crime, including having criminal intent. If the evidence is insufficient, or if evidence can be excluded from a court because law enforcement has violated the defendant’s rights in obtaining that evidence, it can be very difficult to obtain a guilty verdict.
However, that does not mean that facing trial for a crime is no big deal. Even if your defense lawyer has developed a good case for your defense, facing trial is stressful, expensive, and time-consuming. Even awaiting trial impacts your freedom and your finances. Moreover, even if you think you have a very strong case, there is still the possibility that a jury or the court could render a guilty verdict.
Consequently, one of the most important decisions every criminal defendant may encounter is whether to accept a plea bargain. Put simply, a plea bargain is an agreement between the prosecution and the defense in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty (or no contest) to a charge in exchange for certain concessions. While plea bargaining is a common part of Idaho’s criminal justice system, it comes with both advantages and disadvantages.
At Sullivan Law Group, PLLC, our primary practice is criminal defense. In some cases, we will negotiate a plea bargain agreement on behalf of our clients, or advise a client to accept a plea bargain if we believe it is in the client’s best interest. Our goal is to help our clients make informed decisions that give them the best possible outcome to their cases.
How Does a Plea Bargain Work?
If a prosecutor brings a case against a defendant, why would they offer a plea bargain? There are several reasons. Bringing a case to trial takes a lot of resources. A prosecutor’s office has a very heavy caseload; they are responsible for obtaining indictments for all crimes committed in their jurisdictions and bringing those cases to a conclusion. In many instances, a prosecutor’s office will consider a plea bargain to be an appropriate remedy when it may be hard to get a conviction or when the caseload is very heavy and they lack the resources to bring every case to trial.
Plea bargains can take many forms. In Idaho, they can involve:
- Charge bargaining: the prosecutor may agree to let a defendant plead guilty to a lesser charge (for example, reducing a felony to a misdemeanor). This will result in a less severe punishment, but get the case off the court’s and prosecutor’s docket.
- Sentence bargaining: in return for a guilty plea, the prosecutor will agree to requesting a specific penalty recommendation, such as probation instead of jail time.
- Count bargaining: in return for pleading guilty to some charges, the prosecution will agree to dismiss other charges.
For any plea bargain agreement, the parties must obtain a judge’s approval. While judges often accept proposed plea agreements, they are not obligated to do so. However, courts are generally favorably disposed to plea bargain agreements that indicate a defendant is willing to accept responsibility for criminal conduct, rather than insisting on a trial.
Pros of Plea Bargaining in Idaho
- Reduced Penalties: Plea bargains often result in lighter sentences than if the defendant were convicted at trial. This may include probation instead of incarceration, reduced fines, or treatment alternatives.
- Lower Charges: Serious charges can sometimes be reduced to lesser offenses. For example, a felony DUI might be negotiated down to a misdemeanor DUI. This has a huge impact on future employment and civil rights.
- Certainty of Outcome: Trials are unpredictable. A plea bargain provides clarity and allows a defendant to plan for the future without the risk of a harsher penalty.
- Faster Resolution: Trials can take months or even years. A plea bargain can resolve the case more quickly, reducing stress and cost, allowing defendants to move on with their lives.
- Less Publicity: Trials are public, and sensitive details may become part of the record. A negotiated plea may keep matters quieter and minimize reputational damage.
Cons of Plea Bargaining in Idaho
- Waiving Trial Rights: By pleading guilty, defendants give up their right to a jury trial, the ability to cross-examine witnesses, and the chance to challenge the state’s evidence in court.
- Permanent Criminal Record: Even with reduced charges, a guilty plea still results in a conviction. This can affect employment, housing, education, immigration, and professional licensing.
- Pressure to Accept: Defendants may feel pressured to accept a plea to avoid the risk of harsher punishment, even if they are not guilty. This pressure is exacerbated by the fact that prosecutors offer a specific time frame in which a plea bargain must be accepted or declined.
- No Guarantee of Leniency: A prosecutor’s recommendation does not bind the judge. The court can still impose a harsher sentence than what the defendant agreed to or expected.
- Collateral Consequences: The consequences of a conviction reach beyond the courtroom, and into the future. These consequences can include losing the right to possess a firearm, professional discipline, or impacts on child custody. These impacts may affect a defendant even with a reduced plea.
Should You Accept a Plea Bargain Offer?
Whether to accept a plea bargain offer depends on a lot of factors, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. For some defendants, a plea bargain offers a way to minimize damage and move forward. For others, fighting the case at trial may be the better path. The right decision depends on:
- The evidence against you
- The seriousness of the charges
- The possible penalties if convicted at trial
- Your personal and professional circumstances
Your attorney will help you evaluate and weigh competing interests.
If you’ve been charged with a crime in North Idaho, contact Sullivan Law Office, PLLC, in Coeur d’Alene today. Plea bargaining in Idaho can provide significant benefits, but it also carries lasting consequences. You should never enter a plea agreement without fully understanding what it means for your future, and your attorney can assist you with important information, legal representation, and advice. Our attorneys will evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you make the best decision to protect your rights and future.
The information here is intended to be a general assessment of the subject matter, and should not be construed as legal advice for any specific case or individual.