About this episode

This episode discusses the critical elements of negotiating effective plea agreements in criminal cases.

The decision whether to enter into a plea agreement with the government/state is the most important choice a client will make. But too many clients enter into bad pleas - ones that promise little and give up a lot. A client shouldn't have to settle for a plea that lacks real bite. Therefore, in Part II of our plea agreements bonanza, we go through, point by point, the elements of what makes a good plea. IN THIS EPISODE: Knowing the hallmarks of a "good" plea agreement; Knowing the long-term implications of rights you will be required to waive; The crucial difference between plea "stipulations" and plea "recommendations" Making sure your plea does not tie your hands on facts, arguments or mitigation you can present at sentencing; Bargaining for conditional appeal provisions; Bargaining away mandatory minimums; Pleading to an offense that substantially reduces potential statutory maximum; Keeping the door open for compassionate release and new challenges based on future changes to the guidelines or law ; The Hunter case, pending in the Supreme Court, that may make appeal waivers unconstitutional; And, now for something completely different, a recommendation for a powerful…

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