Why do some innocent people plea bargain instead of going to trial Quizlet?
Asked by: Prof. Joany Collins MD | Last update: March 30, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (42 votes)
Why do some innocent people plea bargain instead of going to trial? The mandatory minimums are so high that they would rather not risk going to trial.
Why would someone consider a plea bargain rather than a trial?
Nobody knows for sure what to expect from a trial, and a defendant could get a result from a jury that is worse than what a prosecutor offers. Usually, a plea bargain involves getting a lesser charge on a defendant's criminal record and receiving a more lenient penalty.
Why do innocent people take plea bargains?
From the prosecutions point of view, they think you are guilty of a serious crime, but aren't 100% they can prove it. They also may believe there are mitigating factors, such that the penalty of the serious crime might not be appropriate. So they offer you an opportunity to plead to a lesser crime.
Why would a defendant accept a plea bargain Quizlet?
- Plea bargains offer the accused a freedom of choice. - The plea bargain saves time and money. There is simply not enough money to try every case that is filed. - It is fairer for witnesses and victims (who may not want to testify/participate) and prospective jurors (who have to leave their jobs in order to serve).
Which of the following represents a reason why people are against the use of plea bargains?
Some of the disadvantages of plea bargaining are some people may feel like the defendant didn't effectively "pay" for the crime, the defendant may feel like their sentence isn't fair because they aren't really guilty, the defendant feels rushed into a pleading, and the defendant cannot appeal the conviction.
Why do innocent people plead guilty to crimes they didn’t commit?
Who benefits the most from a plea bargain?
Prosecutors benefit from plea bargains because the deals allow them to improve their conviction rates. Some prosecutors also use plea bargains as a way to encourage defendants to testify against codefendants or other accused criminals.
What are the pros and cons of plea bargains?
Those who believe in the use of plea bargains would argue that it is an alternative route to justice that allows defendants to seek lesser sentences. Those who do not approve believe that plea bargains are an abuse of power that only serves to benefit the criminal court system without regard for the accused.
Why would a defendant decide to accept a plea bargain?
Certainty of Outcome: Trials are unpredictable, and there is always a risk that you could be found guilty and face the maximum sentence. A plea bargain provides certainty and allows you to know the exact consequences you'll face. Faster Resolution: Accepting a plea bargain can bring your case to a quicker conclusion.
Why do people usually agree to enter a plea of guilty?
The pressure to plead guilty
A criminal case is settled by plea bargain every two seconds during a typical workday in the United States, according to one estimate. Innocent people are frequently coerced into pleading guilty, due to the prospect of facing more jail time or a mandatory minimum sentence.
What is a major reason that plea bargaining has become widely used?
spares the criminal justice system the time and expense of a trial.
Why do guilty people plead not guilty?
Depending on your charges, a not guilty plea may enable your lawyer to begin negotiating down the charges. If you're going to be held in jail, your lawyer can do his best to see that any potential bond is set at the lowest possible level. This may enable you to avoid staying in jail, while the process moves forward.
What is usually an advantage to a defendant of taking a plea bargain What is the main advantage to the government?
Defendants favor plea bargaining because it results in some favorable benefits to them (reduced criminal charge, lower penalty, etc.), is less expensive (for those who pay for their own counsel), is less time-consuming, and can reduce the emotional impact on both the defendant and on any victim or victim's family.
Why would someone not take a plea deal?
While plea bargains offer certain benefits, they also come with disadvantages and inherent risks. One of the most significant drawbacks is the waiver of the right to a trial by jury, which means giving up the chance to be acquitted by one's peers.
Why do innocent people accept plea bargains?
Prosecutors frequently have tremendous negotiating power and may scare a defendant with a heavier penalty if they decide to go to trial and are found guilty. Even if a person is innocent, they can believe it is not worth it to risk getting a harsher penalty after a trial.
Is it better to go to trial or plea?
One benefit of going to trial is the possibility of achieving a better outcome than what is offered in a plea deal, perhaps even a not-guilty verdict. However, when the evidence against you is substantial or the potential penalties are severe, accepting a plea deal can result in reduced charges or a lighter sentence.
Why do judges reject plea bargains?
However, judges may reject a plea if they believe it is not in the best interest of justice, it undermines public safety, or it fails to address the severity of the offense adequately. Factors that might lead to rejection include: The seriousness of the crime. The defendant's criminal history.
Why are so many cases plea bargained rather than going to trial?
While being found innocent or being acquitted is, of course, the best way for defendants to avoid jail time and other penalties, going to trial is perceived as risky, because it is impossible to predict what a jury will decide. As a result, many defendants enter pleas (Bar-Gill and Ben-Shahar, 2009).
Why would a person plead guilty rather than take their chances in court?
Many plead guilty to guarantee a reduced sentence. Even if innocent, five years is better than eight. They know they are guilty and would be found guilty in trial and take a plea so they get less of sentence than they would get if found guilty at trial.
Do you go to jail right away if you plead guilty?
In most cases, you will not be taken directly to jail. Instead you will be given a period of time in which to complete your commitment. Jail alternatives such as electronic home detention and community service are commonly imposed instead of jail if you do not have criminal history.
Why would someone negotiate a plea bargain?
In some cases a prosecutor will not offer a plea agreement; if this is the case and going to trial is not in your best interest, we will work to negotiate a plea bargain so that serious penalties can be avoided and perhaps charges reduced.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of plea bargaining?
Pros of plea bargains include saving time, getting a reduced sentence, and gaining certainty. Cons of plea bargains include pleading guilty even if innocent, letting law enforcement off the hook for a poor investigation, and having a criminal record.
Do prosecutors like going to trial?
Do Prosecutors Want to Go to Trial? Just like the defendants weigh their options, so do prosecutors. Prosecutors typically have more resources available to them, but they are still aware of the costs, time, and difficulties of going to trial. Prosecutors must also abide by professional conduct rules.
What is the biggest problem with plea bargains?
Uncertainty and Plea Bargaining. The major, distinct problem caused by plea bargaining that Professor Bellin identifies is uncertainty—namely, the inability of a defendant to assess whether the plea agreement being offered is better or worse than the likely outcome at trial.
What is an advantage of plea bargaining Quizlet?
Pros of plea bargaining? 1) Benefits to the prosecution: Ensures a conviction; reduces stress on gov't resources; relieves victims of the burden of testifying in court.
Who decides guilt or innocence?
The trial is a structured process where the facts of a case are presented to a jury, and they decide if the defendant is guilty or not guilty of the charge offered. During trial, the prosecutor uses witnesses and evidence to prove to the jury that the defendant committed the crime(s).