Plea Bargaining: First Strike Law

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10/13/2010 CRM-220 Plea Bargaining Plea bargaining is defined as ‘a defendant’s plea of guilty to a criminal charge with the reasonable expectation of receiving some consideration from the state for doing so, usually a reduction of the charge. The defendant’s ultimate goal is a penalty lighter than the maximum punishment formally warranted by the original charge.’(1) With that being defined, I do think that the practice of plea bargaining should continue, but only for some charges. Let me explain a little more in depth. I think those with misdemeanor charges should definitely be allowed to plea bargain. Let’s face it; misdemeanors are all minimal crimes that the accused will serve less than 1 year on. My problem is when you get into felony charges. I believe those…show more content…
This is a great thought, and would be a great statute, especially for those states that apply the Three Strike Law. First Strike you can plea bargain; Second Strike you must serve the full sentence; Third Strike you are out! It is a good step for habitual offenders, especially letting them know that the state is becoming stricter for every time they are arrested. That would definitely be a deterrent for others, as they see they will have to serve their full sentence if they happen to commit another crime; which works for states that apply the Three Strike Law, as well as states that do not. Plea bargaining is definitely good for the justice system, for many reasons. Some of those reasons are as follows: * Plea bargaining leads to the prompt and largely final disposition of most criminal cases.(1) * Plea bargaining reduces the time that pretrial detainees must spend in jail.(1) * If they plead guilty to serious charges, they can be moved to prisons with recreational and educational programs instead of enduring the enforced idleness of

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