Q: The commonwealth has filed multiple charges against someone and have gone through all pre-trial phases of the process to the point that a jury trial is scheduled in criminal court. There were some negotiations that took place during the pre-trial process. The defense refused to plea. Now that the DA’s office will have to prepare for the case. Is it still typical that there are negotiations? Or once the case is prepared for is it more likely that it goes to trial? I know there is no concrete answer to this just curious of what the odds maybe? (South Park, PA)
A: Plea agreements have even been entered during a trial. Yes, a negotiated settlement is always a possibility no matter if the Commonwealth has prepared their case and have their witnesses under subpoena.