Our criminal defense lawyer in Fort Worth is sometimes questioned about what a witness deal with the prosecution involves. Prosecution witnesses sometimes attempt to protect themselves by signing a deal with the prosecution that includes a reduced charge or even immunity. Defendants have a right under the Sixth Amendment to question the deal in order to find out more information about the accusations against him or her.
Challenging a Witness Plea Deal
A knowledgeable criminal lawyer will thoroughly investigate the witness and ask a wide range of questions in order to determine what he or she is getting out of the deal. Some of the information that your attorney should ask includes:
- A possible maximum sentence – A guilty plea might mean prison time, and the maximum and minimum sentences are relevant to your case. Fear could motivate the prosecution witness to be less than forthright on the stand.
- The signers of the agreement – This should be the individual and the prosecutor only, and should not include the jury or judge.
- The legal implications of the plea – This is to ensure that the prosecutor can seek a lesser sentence.
- The mandatory minimum sentence in the case and if the prosecutor can request that the judge override this.
- If the prosecutor is the same person who filed charges against you,
- If the witness told the truth, and
- If the witness adhered to the agreement and who decides that.
Your Attorney’s Goal
Your lawyer’s objective is to help the jury see the great amount of influence that the prosecutor holds over the witness and that the prosecutor’s goal is to convict you. A seasoned criminal defense lawyer will know how to cast doubt with the jury about the prosecution’s motives.
Contact Our Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fort Worth
If you have questions about a plea agreement for a prosecution witness, contact the Law Office of Bryan P. Hoeller, our criminal defense attorney in Fort Worth.