Sometimes, a plea deal is the best option. Defendants agree to plea deals for a variety of reasons. The evidence may be sufficient to make it unlikely they would be acquitted. They may prefer to have a say in sentencing or would rather agree to a lesser charge than risk being found guilty of a more serious charge.

Whatever the reason, the key to any plea deal is that the defendant shouldn't be pressured to take it. A plea deal is one option, and the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team helps our clients understand their choices when faced with criminal charges. We work with clients throughout Pennsylvania to help them navigate the criminal justice system. Call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.

Several Charges

Jonathan Lepperd, a resident of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, pled guilty to a bevy of charges, all related to the same victim. The events include:

• The victim alleged that Lepperd had assaulted her and obtained a protection from abuse (PFA) order
• Three days after the PFA was issued, Lepperd confronted the victim outside of her home and stabbed her multiple times
• Lepperd then left the scene of the crime in his vehicle and led law enforcement officials on a high-speed chase.
• After being arrested and while in jail, Lepperd attempted to solicit multiple inmates to kill the victim

In April 2024, Lepperd pled guilty to multiple charges. These included:

• Attempted murder
• Retaliation against a victim
• Fleeing from police
• Solicitation of murder

Choosing to Accept a Plea Deal

In Lepperd's case, the evidence was significant. Multiple people witnessed these events. The victim had a PFA at the time of the stabbing, and her injuries were serious enough to require an airlift to a hospital. Law enforcement had records of the police chase.

Many cases don't have that much evidence. Evidence doesn't necessarily tell the entire story. A defendant may have defenses to their actions. A defendant may want their day in court, and that's their choice.

One of the biggest downsides of a plea deal is that a defendant generally loses their right to appeal. This means that once they agree to the plea deal, they can't later contest it. In comparison, with a trial, a defendant does have the right to appeal the trial's outcome.

PFAs

Police report that, during the chase, Lepperd made comments about disregarding the PFA. In his situation, the fact he violated the PFA to stab the victim indicates the PFA was needed.

Many PFAs are more complex and less clear-cut. Even if a defendant believes a court shouldn't have issued a PFA, the one thing they shouldn't do is approach the other person. Instead, individuals should work with the LLF Law Firm Team and the legal system to address the PFA and explain why a PFA isn't needed.

A PFA may not be needed, but by violating it, a defendant potentially shows a disregard for the law. Instead of helping their case, violating a PFA may hurt the defendant. If child custody is an issue, it may increase the likelihood of a parent having limited custody or visitation.

Know Your Options

When you've been charged with a crime, navigating the criminal justice system can feel overwhelming. The LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team can help you through the criminal process, from protecting your rights to understanding your options, including whether to accept a plea deal. If you're facing criminal charges in Pennsylvania, call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our online form.