In Wisconsin, plea bargains or negotiations may be an option to look into for those who feel like the sentence or odds they currently face are against them. While there is plenty of controversy surrounding the general notion of plea bargains and whether they’re good for anyone involved, you may also benefit off of them in several different ways.
The Legal Dictionary defines a plea bargain as a negotiation that takes place between you, the defendant, and the prosecutor. With a plea bargain, you stand to significantly reduce the potential punishments you may be facing. For example, you could get a lower jail sentence, lowered fines, or changes made to the charges you face. They could be reduced in severity or, in some cases, dismissed entirely.
In exchange for the reductions or dismissals of charges, you will usually need to provide information about certain criminal activities, agree to cooperate with law enforcement, or admit guilt to a lesser crime. Though plea bargains do have their downsides, some view it as a potential opportunity to reduce the overall impact these charges may have on your life in the long and short term, which can be invaluable.
In the end, the judge has to agree to what the plea bargain will result in before the sentence is accepted. Knowing that, and knowing that this is not meant to be taken as legal advice, it may still be an option you wish to consider. This is especially true if your legal counsel advises it.
