When an individual is alleged to have committed a crime, the State of New York has the burden of proving to a jury of your peers that you committed the alleged conduct beyond a reasonable doubt. Instead of a trial, a case may resolve by way of a plea bargain. Whether a plea bargain is offered to you depends on several factors including the strength of the evidence against you, whether any defense exists, and whether there are any witnesses against you. A plea bargain is an offer made by the District Attorney to resolve the allegations without the need for a trial. Whether a plea bargain is in your best interests is a discussion you will have with your criminal attorney. This depends on, among other factors, what the penalties of the offer are compared to the risk of a conviction and a higher sentence if you proceed to trial.