Reaching a Plea Bargain in a Criminal Case [infographic]

97% of federal criminal cases and a similar number of state cases are resolved via a plea bargain. In Minnesota, it’s estimated that 90% of criminal cases are resolved via a plea bargain agreement. This means that the vast majority of criminal cases are not decided by a judge or jury.

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Pleading Guilty, Nolo Contendere, or Entering an Alford Plea

Prior to plea bargaining a case in Minnesota, prosecutor’s require the defendant to enter either a guilty plea admitting their responsibility for the crime they’re being charged with, or a plea of nolo contendere which means they neither admit or deny their responsibility, but will accept the prosecutor’s recommendation for punishment associated with the crime.

In some cases, defendants may enter an Alford plea which asserts their innocence of guilt, but acknowledges that if the evidence were put before a judge or jury that they would likely be convicted of the crime.

Plea Bargains Can Reduce Punishments

Prosecutors will often drop the most serious charges against a defendant in return for a guilty plea on lesser charges. In the majority of cases, the prosecutor will agree to a specific punishment as part of the deal. These punishments may include a reduced period of incarceration, fines, probation, and restitution. These agreements can reduce the disruption to the defendant’s life and allow them to begin taking positive steps forward.

Judges are Not Bound by Plea Agreements

Judges in Minnesota do not have to accept a plea agreement reached between the prosecution and a defendant’s criminal defense lawyer. However, over the past few years, the courts have demonstrated a strong propensity for accepting plea bargains in many felony cases. However, they are less likely to accept plea agreements in cases that involve the sale or trafficking of dangerous narcotics such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. The same is true for violent crimes involving the use of a deadly weapon and crimes involving the sale or possession of child pornography.

Mandatory Minimums and Plea Bargains

Recent indications from the Department of Justice show that the federal government will push judges throughout Minnesota to enforce mandatory minimum sentences on many low-level felony convictions. Over the past decade, judges in Minnesota have demonstrated an observable unwillingness to do this. This is unlikely to change and individuals who reach a plea agreement with the prosecuting attorney are likely to have their plea agreement accepted by the court.

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

The timeline for filing pre-trial motions in a criminal case in Minnesota varies with the type of motion. A motion related to the discovery of evidence or dismissal of a criminal case must be filed at least three days before the Omnibus Hearing. The prosecution is then allowed to respond to the motions, and the court sets the timeline for these responses.
Knowing the tips for interacting with law enforcement as a suspect in Minnesota can keep you from saying or doing something that incriminates you. These tips include understanding your rights while interacting with law enforcement, knowing how to handle search and seizure, and seeking the early intervention of a criminal defense lawyer. You should apply these tips when you are stopped for questioning, a suspect in a criminal investigation, pulled over in a car, and during arrest, arrest processing, and custody.
You may need to hire a criminal defense lawyer even if you have not been charged. A criminal defense lawyer protects your rights when law enforcement officers are investigating you for a crime. Without a lawyer, you might say something that could be incriminating or misconstrued. Your lawyer can engage with the police or the prosecutors and provide evidence that prevents them from filing formal charges. Your lawyer can also go through your case and prepare a defense strategy if there is a possibility of you getting charged.