When Does the Plea Bargaining Process Start?

September 27, 2014

Many, if not most, criminal cases will go through the process of plea bargaining. This is the process in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty of the crime charged or a lesser one in exchange for a lighter sentence or to have other charges dismissed. Depending on the facts of your case, your criminal defense lawyer in Grand Rapids might recommend a plea bargain or might not. In some cases, you can plead guilty in exchange for early release from jail, but this deal is not usually in the defendant’s best interest.

THE INITIAL APPEARANCE

Even if you want to plead guilty at your initial appearance before the judge with the help of your criminal defense lawyer in Grand Rapids, it is not likely you will be able to do so at such an early juncture. In most areas, the judge or magistrate is not able to enter a plea of guilty to a felony or serious misdemeanor. Given that at this early stage you will not have much information about the charges or the possible defenses available to you, it is not a good idea to plead guilty at this stage.

THE ARRAIGNMENT

Your arraignment is usually where plea bargaining between the prosecutor and your Grand Rapids Criminal Defense Attorney begins. Some prosecutors might be under pressure to get your case resolved quickly, which is advantageous if you are also seeking a plea bargain. Do not take any steps without having a criminal defense lawyer in Grand Rapids present to help you. Call Blanchard Law at 616-773-2945.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 28 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Rachel Kelley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Josh and Blanchard Law did an amazing job representing my husband. He really went above and beyond and we couldn't be happier with the outcome. Thank you Josh!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shanda Hopkins 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had Melissa Freeman as my lawyer and all I can say is that she is absolutely phenomenal!  She is a great lawyer! She is also always available and willing to answer any questions or concerns you may have. She is caring, kind and just an exceptional human being. She always made sure to explain things and made sure I understood what direction our case was going and was great at keeping me calm because our case, as with any case, was very stressful for our family. I couldn't have asked for a better lawyer. She saved my life in a sense and I will remain forever grateful for her.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   David Head 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keeley is an outstanding attorney.  Trustworthy and competent.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Karen Boer 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you need a great lawyer this is the place.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   D Mc 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keely and the team were great!