What do I need to know about plea agreements?
Under the law you are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

A plea agreement is an agreement you enter with the State, with the acknowledgement and assistance of your attorney. Typically, plea agreements offered by the prosecutor will give you a better sentence than if you went to trial and lost. The decision to plead guilty is entirely up to you. By pleading guilty you give up several rights, including your right to trial. It is important to review the entire plea agreement with your attorney and that you understand the consequences of the entering into the agreement before you sign it and before you enter it in court. If you have any questions about the plea agreement, be sure to discuss them with your attorney.

Please note that even though you sign a plea agreement with the prosecutor, the judge is not required to accept the terms of the agreement.

Show All Answers

1. What do I need to remember about court hearings?
2. What is an initial appearance?
3. What happens at a preliminary hearing?
4. Does a preliminary hearing still occur if I received an indictment?
5. What occurs at an arraignment?
6. What do I need to know about plea agreements?
7. How many different kinds of pretrial hearings are there?
8. I'm not sure I understand the purpose of the trial after all these hearings. What happens at a trial?
9. How does sentencing occur, and when?
10. Can I appeal a decision on my case?