SPIRIT OR LETTER OF THE LAW?

Another reason for plea bargaining is simple - we want the punishment to fit the crime and the person charged with the crime - some people get better deals - this has always been the way in our justice system.

There is hope in all cases for a successful plea bargain - this is because it saves lots of money and court room time - and it goes on all the time because the spirit of the law is more important than the letter of the law.

Courthouses that enforce the letter of the law have huge trial calendars and bench warrant rolls - courthouses fair to defendants don't simply because of the perceived fairness by the defendant and their families.

Don't forget the power of the public though - if your case is known by the general public in your community, you may get different treatment. Should your case have television and radio coverage, you'll be faced with a prosecution team out for the kill rather than out to give you a fair plea bargain - talk to a lawyer about your case right away.