If you are facing criminal charges in Oklahoma City, you may have the option to negotiate a plea bargain rather than taking your case to trial. A plea deal, also known as a plea bargain, is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecution that resolves the case without a trial. While plea bargains can offer reduced sentences and penalties, they also come with certain consequences. Those may include that you accept a deal rather than have a jury trial and prove your innocence.

What Is a Plea Bargain?

A plea deal is an agreement where a defendant pleads guilty or no contest to a charge in exchange for some form of leniency from the prosecution. This could mean a reduced sentence, fewer charges, or a lighter punishment than what the defendant might face if convicted at trial.

A Plea bargain in your criminal case can be seen as helping both you and the prosecutor in your case. In exchange for a plea bargain you might bargain for a reduced charge or a reduced sentence. For the prosecutor in your case they are incentivized to offer a deal as a means of reducing their case load and avoiding the time spent in trial.

Types of Plea Bargains in Oklahoma

There are several types of plea deals that may be offered in an Oklahoma criminal case:

Reduced Charges

This is a common type of plea deal. The defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for the dismissal of a more serious charge.

Example: A person charged with felony drug possession with intent to distribute which is a felony because of the intent to distribute element of the charged crime. The defendant plead guilty in exchange for a reduced charge of simple possession. The new charge is a misdemeanor

Plea Bargain For a Reduced Sentence

In this type of plea deal, the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for a lighter sentence than what they might receive if convicted at trial.

Example: A defendant facing a five-year prison sentence for burglary if they are found guilty at trial. The defendant may agree to plead guilty in exchange for a suspended sentence or deferred sentence.

No Contest (Nolo Contendere) Plea

A defendant may plead “no contest” instead of guilty. This means they do not admit guilt but accept the punishment. This type of plea bargain is often used when the defendant wants to avoid civil liability in cases where a lawsuit may follow.

Example: If someone is charged with assault and battery, pleading “no contest” means they will not admit guilt, which may help them avoid a civil lawsuit from the victim. If they plead guilty they are sure to loose the civil case because they have admitted guilt and the standard of proof in a criminal case is much higher than in a civil case.

Why Would a Defendant Accept a Plea Deal?

There are several reasons why a defendant may choose to accept a plea bargain rather than go to trial:

Reduced Charges or Penalties – Plea deals often result in less severe charges or shorter sentences.
Avoiding Maximum Penalties – A plea deal may prevent a harsher sentence if convicted at trial.
Faster Resolution – Trials can take months or even years, whereas plea deals resolve cases quickly.
Lower Costs – Trials can be expensive, and a plea deal may reduce legal fees.
Certainty – Trials are unpredictable, and accepting a plea provides a known outcome.

Check out our OKC Criminal Defense Blog For More Information

Should You Accept a Plea Deal?

Deciding whether to accept a plea deal depends on the strength of the prosecution’s case, the potential penalties, and your specific circumstances. Before accepting any plea agreement, it is essential to consider all of your options and each options consequence. Sometimes pleading to a case is a great option because the record can be expunged quickly. Other times its not a good option because the charge will follow you for life and the prosecutor doesn’t have the evidence to win. Before you decide its important you work with your Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney who can go over each downside v. the upside.

For a free consultation with one of the Kania Law Office – Oklahoma City attorneys call us at 405-387-8710. Or you can follow this link to ask an online legal question