Plea Bargain

Most cases do not go to trial. Instead of a defendant going to trail, he or she agrees to a plea bargain. It is used in about ninety percent of cases in the United States of America. The plea bargain is a process in, which the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a crime, in exchange for a lesser sentencing, lesser charge, or other consideration. The plea bargain is necessary for many reasons. One reason is that it saves tax payers money. The second reason is that guarantees a conviction. The third reason is that it can be used to get a defendant to testify in court against another defendant. Even though it is necessary there are many issues with the plea bargain. One issue is that the police and prosecutors rely on the plea bargain too much. The second issue is that the punishment does not fit the crime. Then third issue is that an innocent defendant may take a plea bargain to avoid the change of being found guilty at trial. However, it is important to remember the reason for the plea bargain, which includes saving tax payers money.

The first, reason for plea bargains, is that it saves tax payers’ money. Trials are expensive. There is the cost of a lawyer, if the defendant cannot afford one. There is the cost of paying the jury, and other staff along with other expenses. Also, there is the appeal process which is very costly. In Arkansas a trail cost $250. That may not sound like much, but if the other ninety percent of cases when to trial, it would quickly add up. Murder trails are the most expensive. However, the murder trials involving the death penalty are even more expensive. The plea bargain solves this issue. Then there is the second reason for plea bargains.

A plea bargain guarantees a conviction. There is no g...

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...d prosecutors can rely too much on

The plea bargain is a necessary tool for the criminal justice system. Without it our system would not work as it does. It keeps tax payers from spending so much on court trials. It is a guarantee way to get a conviction. It also, is a way to get a defendant to testify against another defendant. Unfortunately the plea bargain does have its fault. Some police and prosecutors may rely too much on plea bargains. Sometimes it does not give a defendant the punishment that the crime deserves. Also, an innocent defendant may take a plea bargain. The plea bargain is not perfect but it does serve a purpose.

Works Cited

http://www.pleabargain.org/pleabargainprosandcons.html http://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/offices/childSupport/resources/Pages/CostsandFees.aspx http://search.proquest.com/docview/859016649/A366874B24C14986PQ/1?accountid=39965