Whether to accept a plea deal depends on the strength of the prosecution's case, the terms offered, your prior record, and the collateral consequences of a conviction. A plea deal that avoids a felony or that includes diversion may be the best outcome in some cases. In others, fighting the case at trial or pursuing a suppression motion produces a better result. The decision should be made with a lawyer who has reviewed the full discovery, evaluated the constitutional issues, and assessed the realistic trial risk. Never accept a plea at arraignment without legal counsel reviewing the case first.
