What Happens if You Violate a Plea Agreement in Fort Myers?

Many defendants in Fort Myers accept plea agreements or “plea deals” in exchange for more lenient sentences. In theory, this could be a viable choice – especially for those who face insurmountable incriminating evidence. In practice, however, plea deals are only effective if defendants strictly adhere to their conditions. What happens if you violate a plea agreement in Florida? Could a Fort Myers criminal defense attorney help in this situation?

Defendant Sent to Prison After Violating Plea Agreement 

In December of 2024, it was reported that a woman in Florida had been sent to prison after violating the terms of her plea agreement. This case involved a bridgetender who raised a drawbridge while a woman was cycling across it. The accident had fatal consequences, and it led to the bridgetender facing charges of manslaughter.

She pleaded guilty in 2023, and a judge credited her with time served in the county jail. She would have avoided further incarceration entirely with eight years of probation. Unfortunately, the woman failed to adhere to the terms of her agreement. Two months after being placed on probation, she tested positive for marijuana. As a result, she was sentenced to 10 years in prison. During the sentencing, the judge noted that she had wasted an unusual and generous opportunity. The judge also noted that her decision to violate the terms of her plea agreement was disrespectful to the family of the deceased victim.

This defendant was also accused of lying to the police after the drawbridge accident. Despite stating that she had announced the drawbridge’s raising on loudspeakers, deleted text messages on her phone suggest that this was not true. She also claimed that she had scanned the drawbridge multiple times before raising it, but the deleted text messages also cast doubt upon these statements.

The Importance of Respecting Terms of Probation and Plea Agreements 

If you accept a plea deal, you should be very careful to respect its terms. As this story indicates, even a simple marijuana test result can destroy any advantage you might have experienced with the agreement. With such strict terms, it is also important to consider the alternatives to plea agreements.

An experienced defense attorney may be able to help you fight your charges in court rather than plead guilty. Winning a criminal trial could be easier than you realize, and you might want to consider all of your various options before accepting a plea deal.

Can a Defense Attorney in Fort Myers Help With Plea Agreement Violations? 

If you have been accused of violating your plea agreement, a defense attorney in Fort Myers may be able to help. If you are unsure of whether to accept a plea deal in the first place, a defense attorney may also offer helpful legal advice. Whatever your situation might be, consider scheduling a consultation with The Foley & Wilson Law Firm before making any rash decisions.

Source: 

palmbeachpost.com/story/news/crime/2024/12/17/judge-sentences-bridgetender-in-florida-womans-fatal-fall-to-state-prison/77052763007/