If you possess information that may lead to the conviction of another person for a crime more serious than the one of which you are accused, it is possible the prosecutor will consider entering a cooperation agreement with you. A prosecutor has broad discretion in choosing whether to enter a cooperation agreement with a defendant. Factors influencing the prosecutor's decision include the extent to which the information you possess incriminates another person, the nature of the crimes of which you and the other person are accused, your criminal history, and your ability to be a compelling witness.
Before considering a cooperation agreement, you and your Sugar Land criminal lawyer need to carefully evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case and the risks and rewards of cooperation. Additionally, you should follow the specific steps outlined below:
•· Be prepared for the interview. When you meet with the prosecutor who will decide whether to offer you a deal, you must readily recount your own acts and give a detailed description of the illegal conduct of the prosecutor's other target. The prosecutor will evaluate both the content of your statements and your ability to articulate them effectively. Therefore, you must prepare yourself beforehand to speak intelligently.
•· Attempt to reach an agreement without meeting the prosecutor yourself. In some cases, prosecutors will consider a cooperation agreement based on a written proffer signed by your Sugar Land criminal lawyer instead of you. This approach is beneficial because it prevents the prosecutor from speaking to you directly, and it does not necessitate you committing to a story on the record. However, prosecutors generally are unwilling to enter a deal in this manner because they want to evaluate you in person.
•· Record the interview. If you meet with a prosecutor to discuss a cooperation agreement, bring a tape recorder with you. If there is any dispute about what was said, you will want to be able to refer to an accurate record.
For assistance defending your case, please contact experienced Sugar Land criminal lawyer John Venza, Esq. The initial consultation is free of charge.