Colorado Sex Crime Attorney Blog

Differences Between a Deferred Judgment, Split Plea and Straight Plea in Colorado

Posted by Kyle B. Sawyer | Jun 27, 2016 | 0 Comments

Read more about the differences between a deferred judgment, split plea and straight plea in Colorado.

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Sentencing is complicated in sex crime cases in Denver, Hinsdale County and every other county of Colorado. That's because every person's situation and charges are different, so the outcome of their criminal cases will be different, too. In today's blog, we'll look at three of the many possible outcomes of a criminal case and their differences: a deferred judgment, split plea bargain and straight plea bargain.

What is a Deferred Judgment in Douglas County and Across Colorado?

In Douglas County, Adams County and everywhere else in Colorado, a deferred judgment is a process where a person pleads guilty to a crime and agrees to conditions required by the court for a certain amount of time. After completing your deferred sentence, one of the advantages is that you can have your record sealed. This is good news, especially for young people looking to rent an apartment or find a job, since their background checks will be cleared of the criminal record. However, the disadvantage of a deferred judgment is that if you violate the deferred agreement, you will be sentenced as if you didn't have a deferred agreement.

What is a Split Plea in Arapahoe County and Across Colorado?

In Glendale, Arapahoe County, and everywhere else in Colorado, a split plea is when you receive a deferred judgment for a more serious felony charge, but a straight plea for a misdemeanor or lower level felony charge. With this type of plea, a misdemeanor and felony conviction will remain on your record with a split plea.

Straight Plea Definition in Jefferson County, Colorado

A straight plea in Golden, Jefferson County and everywhere else in Colorado is where you plead guilty to a crime (typically a reduced charge). Probation, community service, and fines will typically be involved in a straight plea agreement.

Call a Denver Criminal Defense Lawyer if You Have More Questions

If you have more questions about a split plea, straight plea or deferred judgment in Denver, Aurora or anywhere else in Colorado, call the best sex crimes defense lawyers at the O'Malley Law Office right away. An experienced criminal defense attorney will help you decide whether accepting a plea bargain or deferred judgment and sentence will be better for you in your unique case. The biggest thing an attorney will focus on is whether or not you can seal your record as sealing your record is not possible with a straight plea or split plea. Call the O'Malley Law Office today if you have any more questions.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime and you have more questions about a split plea, straight plea or deferred judgment in Colorado, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys at the O'Malley Law Office for a free consultation at 303-830-0880. Together, we can protect your future.

About the Author

Kyle B. Sawyer

I have a passion for defending others in criminal cases. I am able to empathize with my clients and understand their emotions and fears. I have a unique perspective on the criminal justice system and I understand what it feels like to be wrongly accused of a crime.

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