Plea Bargaining in Federal Cases

Plea bargains are as intricate as the legal tapestry they’re woven into. These negotiated settlements involve a defendant agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser charge, thereby potentially receiving a lighter sentence.

Simple, right? Not quite.

Like a chess game, each move holds significant weight. As veteran federal defenders, we, Attorneys Tad Nelson & Amber Spurlock, grasp the gravity of this situation. To get a general idea of how plea deals work in federal criminal cases, review this general outline.

If you need legal representation or have any questions, call us at 713-659-0909.

Plea Deals: A Swift Resolution

Time is of the Essence

The clock doesn’t just tick; it charges like a bull.

Plea bargains often offer a quicker resolution than a trial. The machinery of justice, particularly in the federal jurisdiction, can grind slowly. A plea bargain is often seen as a fast track out of the system.

Cost: A Considerable Criterion

Let’s talk figures. They matter. A prolonged trial isn’t just taxing emotionally; it’s financially draining. Plea bargains often equate to reduced legal fees, something your bank account might thank you for.

Certainty in an Uncertain Terrain

Trials are unpredictable; they’re the rolling dice of the legal world. A plea can act as a stabilizing anchor, offering a definitive outcome in an uncertain situation.

Remember, the feds have a win rate exceeding 90%. In most cases, it’s not a good idea to engage in legal warfare with these folks. It’s a costly process and you’ll probably lose.

But that’s in most situations.

We’re more than willing to fight the feds in winnable situations. So long as it won’t leave you in a bad situation financially.

Fighting The Feds

Avoiding The ‘Guilty’ Label

In plea bargains, ‘innocent until proven guilty’ is bypassed. You’re pleading guilty, albeit to a lesser charge. The resultant criminal record is more than ink on paper—it’s a stain on reputation. Furthermore, it can follow you around and cause you problems for the rest of your life.

Plea Deals Aren’t Always Favorable

It’s termed a ‘bargain,’ but let’s not mistake this for a grand sale event. Sometimes, the prosecution’s offer isn’t as golden as it seems. The reduced charge might still carry a hefty penalty, which could be federally mandated.

Federal sentencing guidelines are more harsh than states. Also, there’s no parole in the federal system. So, although taking a plea deal is the common way to resolve federal criminal cases, this strategy is not always the best idea.

The Right to Trial

By opting for a plea, you’re waiving your constitutional right to a trial. That’s no small print; that’s the equivalent headline news as far as your case is concerned.

The Sixth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States guarantees a right to a public trial without unnecessary delay.

The Sixth also provides for a right to a lawyer, an impartial jury, to know who your accusers are, the nature of the criminal charges, and the evidence against you.

As seasoned federal criminal defense attorneys, we’re not just paid to interpret the law; we’re paid to keep you free. Sometimes, the plea negotiation process can provide solutions to this end.

Unwavering Advocacy

In the plea negotiation process, we’ll strive to ensure any offer from the feds is in your best interest. We, at our firm understand the federal system like the back of our hands.

Few criminal defense lawyers in Houston have the experience to effectively help people fight back against federal criminal charges. This includes allegations of RICO violations. Throughout the years, we’ve fought the government on behalf of countless people, protecting them from prosecutorial & sentencing abuse.

Expert Evaluation

The law isn’t black and white; it’s a spectrum of grays. Plea negotiations are no exception. We meticulously assess the strength of the prosecution’s case. We always review our defense strategies, change with new possibilities, and seek to challenge federal evidence.

If we can’t get the feds to drop your case, we’ll propose a plea deal or encourage them to make an offer. If they make the first offer, it gives us the opportunity to counter. However, it depends on the situation. Timing can also be a factor. If there’s a chance that evidence exists that they aren’t aware of, it might be best to get that case closed quickly.

The Human Element

We understand that a federal charge doesn’t just affect you. We know that it can also hurt your family. That’s why our legal counsel isn’t rooted in law books but in real life. We know you need to be free. We know you need to move on without the stress of pending federal actions. We know the situation.