Early Plea Bargains: Can You Negotiate Immediately? Truth Revealed
Can plea bargaining start right after arrest? It depends heavily on the prosecutor and your lawyer's relationship with them, explains Pierce County, Washington attorney Spencer Freeman. Deputy prosecutors operate within an elected prosecutor's guidelines. A cooperative relationship lets negotiations begin early; a contentious one can delay them—or, if the prosecutor won't be reasonable, make trial inevitable.
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Answered by Spencer Freeman · Pierce County, WA
Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions
Can plea bargaining start right after arrest?
It depends heavily on the individual prosecutor and your lawyer's relationship with them, since deputy prosecutors work within an elected prosecutor's guidelines.
Can a bad relationship delay plea talks?
Yes—a contentious relationship can delay negotiations, or, if the prosecutor won't be reasonable, make trial inevitable.
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