Does Crime Type Change Your Plea Bargain Power? The Real Truth Exposed

Yes—crime type can materially change plea bargain power, often determining whether most witnesses are law enforcement or civilians. Drug possession cases frequently hinge on searches, warrants, and surveillance, creating suppression leverage that can improve offers. This article explains how different charge types and evidence profiles affect plea negotiations.

Ray Hrdlicka – Host – Attorneys.Media

“Does it depend upon the type of crime?”

Spencer Freeman – Criminal Defense Attorney – Pierce County, WA

“Drug possession charges, first of all, they’re, really generally speaking, they are going to be law enforcement oriented. Most of the witnesses in the case are law enforcement. You may have some issues with warrants that have been issued, you may have some issues with some surveillance problems that are there. But when you are dealt with an assault case or a rape case or a murder case, generally, the state’s going to have expert witnesses. There’s going to be forensic analysis. There’s also going to be some civilian witnesses that are going to be there.”

Ray Hrdlicka – Host – Attorneys.Media

“And those could be on your side, those could not be on your side? They could be conflicting?”

Spencer Freeman – Criminal Defense Attorney – Pierce County, WA

“Correct. And you’ve got to make a decision whether or not you need to get your own forensic experts involved in the case. Because the state’s forensic pathologist, let’s say, may have a certain opinion, based off the evidence that they see. But another pathologist may have a different opinion. You need to know whether or not you need to get an expert involved. And getting an expert involved may also dictate the timing where real negotiations start to work.”