9 Things Every Defendant Should Know About Plea Bargains | Arizona Criminal Defense

Описание: A plea bargain is a negotiated settlement that resolves criminal charges without a trial. In Arizona, roughly 98% of felony cases in Maricopa County are resolved through plea agreements rather than going to trial.

Facing charges in AZ? Get a free consultation with Phoenix defense attorney Zachary Divelbiss: 602-932-7890 | https://futurefirst.law

If you're facing criminal charges, understanding how plea bargains work — including what rights you give up, what consequences follow, and when you can back out — is critical before you step into a courtroom. In this video, Phoenix criminal defense attorney Zachary Divelbiss breaks down the 9 things every defendant needs to know about the plea bargaining process in Arizona.

What is a plea bargain?
A plea bargain is essentially an out-of-court settlement for a criminal case. The prosecutor presents an offer to resolve charges without trial. There are two types: charge bargains (where certain charges are dismissed in exchange for pleading to lesser ones) and sentence bargains (where the prosecutor recommends a specific sentence or range). The judge is not bound by the prosecutor's recommendation — the value of a sentence bargain depends on how closely the judge follows those recommendations.

What rights do I give up by pleading guilty?
When you plead guilty, you waive your constitutional right to a jury trial, your right to confront and cross-examine witnesses, and your right to remain silent. This is an all-or-nothing decision — you cannot accept a plea on one charge and go to trial on another in the same case. The judge will ask detailed questions to confirm you understand what you are surrendering.

What are the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction?
A guilty plea counts as a criminal conviction. Depending on the charge, consequences can include immigration issues, loss of employment or professional licenses, loss of voting rights, loss of driving privileges, and loss of the right to possess firearms. Domestic violence convictions — which can attach to charges like disorderly conduct or assault — can also trigger firearm restrictions even at the misdemeanor level.

Can I withdraw my guilty plea in Arizona?
After sentencing, you can withdraw a guilty plea only if you can prove it was made unknowingly or involuntarily. This is an extremely high standard. Arizona felony cases generally have a 90-day window for post-conviction relief. Five or ten years later is typically too late.

0:00 — Introduction: Why you need to understand plea bargains
1:58 — #1: A plea bargain is a negotiated settlement
2:58 — #2: Two types of plea bargains (charge vs. sentence)
5:47 — #3: Guilty plea = waiver of constitutional rights
7:59 — #4: Plea must be made knowingly and voluntarily
10:07 — #5: Guilty plea counts as a criminal conviction
13:22 — #6: Juries are unpredictable — factors to weigh
15:10 — #7: Personal factors that affect your decision
16:17 — #8: It is YOUR decision, not your lawyer's
18:07 — #9: Once decided, it's almost impossible to undo

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About Future First Criminal Law
Phoenix criminal defense and DUI law firm led by Zachary Divelbiss.
Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, and all Maricopa County courts.
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Free consultation: 602-932-7890 | https://futurefirst.law
Record sealing: https://azcriminalrecordlawfirm.com
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