Charged With a Crime? Know Your Options Before You Plead.
Smart, strategic plea negotiation from an experienced Missouri defense lawyer.
If you're facing criminal charges, you may be offered a plea bargain—a deal from the prosecution to plead guilty or no contest in exchange for reduced charges or a lighter sentence. While a plea can be the right choice in some cases, accepting a deal too quickly—or without the right legal advice—can have lifelong consequences.
At Ernst Law LLC, attorney Sarah Ernst helps clients make informed, strategic decisions about plea bargains in Jefferson City and surrounding counties. She knows how local prosecutors operate, understands the long-term impact of every plea, and works to secure the best possible outcome—whether that’s an offer worth accepting or a case worth fighting.
What Is a Plea Bargain?
A plea bargain is an agreement between the defense and prosecution where the defendant agrees to plead guilty (or no contest) in exchange for:
A reduced charge (e.g., felony reduced to misdemeanor)
A lighter sentence (e.g., probation instead of jail)
The dismissal of other charges
Avoiding the uncertainty of a trial
Most criminal cases in Missouri are resolved through plea agreements. But that doesn’t mean you should take the first offer—or any offer—without a skilled defense attorney reviewing every detail.
When Is a Plea Bargain a Good Idea?
Plea bargains can be beneficial if:
The evidence against you is strong
You want to avoid the risk of a harsher sentence at trial
The deal allows you to avoid a felony conviction or jail time
You want to resolve the case quickly to move forward
However, every plea comes with trade-offs—such as a criminal record, probation terms, immigration consequences, or loss of rights. Sarah helps clients weigh those risks carefully.
Sarah Ernst’s Approach to Plea Negotiation
Sarah does not push clients toward quick deals. She approaches plea bargains with:
Thorough case analysis — Is the state’s case as strong as they claim?
Experienced negotiation — Sarah works to improve offers based on the facts and law.
Local insight — With deep knowledge of Central Missouri courts and prosecutors, she knows what’s realistic—and what’s not.
Client-first strategy — Your goals, your priorities, your life. Sarah helps you make a decision that serves you, not the system.
If you’ve already taken a plea and believe it was unfair or unlawful, Sarah also handles criminal appeals statewide.
Serving Central Missouri with Serious Criminal Defense
Sarah advises clients considering plea deals in Cole, Miller, Camden, Moniteau, Morgan, and Osage counties, and can assist with appellate issues across all Missouri appellate districts.
Talk to a Missouri Defense Attorney Before Accepting a Plea
If you’ve been offered a plea bargain, don’t sign anything until you’ve talked with a defense lawyer. Sarah Ernst can help you understand your options—and fight for better ones.
📍 Based in Jefferson City | Serving Central Missouri & Statewide Appeals
📞 (573) 415-2441
📧 (legal@ernstlawllc.com)