A plea deal is an agreement, after a negotiation between the prosecutor and defense attorney, that settles a case without a trial. Unlike a trial, the client understands clearly what the outcome of the case will be. Plea negotiations can be time-consuming and go on for months or they can be done quickly at the first pretrial conference between the attorneys. Based on the criminal defense investigative work discussed in Part 1 of this series, a defense attorney can strengthen his or her bargaining position.
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