Many
courts in the U.S. are burdened by a backlog of cases that have yet
to reach a verdict. To expedite the process behind certain
proceedings, many cases today have the option of reaching a “plea
bargain” agreement. In this resolution, both parties agree on
certain arrangements that are usually less severe than what the court
may have in mind. However, take note that not all cases, as well as
charges, are eligible for a plea bargain.
Nolo.com cites three factors
for a plea bargain to be the most viable resolution. First, the crime
must not be serious enough to warrant severe punishment from the law.
Second, the evidence must not be strong enough for the court to find
a person guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Lastly, the likelihood of
the person being found guilty must not be too strong.
In
most cases, however, courts push through with plea bargains because
they're overburdened by the amount of backlogs. Experts say only a
tenth of criminal cases filed in the country proceed to trial. As
long as the judicial system has lots of unresolved cases stuck in
limbo, plea bargains may as well be a viable alternative to a lengthy
and costly judicial process.
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