Circuit Court Case Cycle - Plea

At any point in the Circuit Court process, the defendant may plead guilty.A plea of guilty results in a conviction.

When a defendant decides to plead, he/she gives up the right to have a trial and all the rights that come  with a trial.

If the defendant pleads guilty, no testimony from victims or other witnesses and no other evidence is required.

The case proceeds to sentencing.

Sometimes defendants are offered the opportunity to plead guilty to lesser charges (a plea bargain).

The Oakland County Prosecutor's Office offers "plea bargains" in less than 4% of the cases  charged.

There are a number of law enforcement reasons for "plea bargaining" and no "plea bargain" is ever offered without first consulting the victim and the police agency who brought the case.

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