In general; obtaining lesser charge

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In general; obtaining lesser charge

Often the most valuable service a defense attorney can provide the client is a good plea bargain. More cases are settled by plea bargain than any other way,FN68 and the United States Supreme Court has upheld the validity of plea bargaining.FN69 A plea bargain allows both the prosecution and defense to considerably reduce the cost of trial. It also significantly limits publicity, and a shortening of the time the defendant feels insecure worrying about the outcome of the case. Plea bargaining also provides certainty to the prosecution that the case will not be appealed.

The defendant stands to gain not only by reducing the monetary costs but more practically, by gaining the assurance that he or she will receive a lighter sentence than might be handed down were the case to go to trial.