STATE OF GEORGIA
SUPERIOR COURT OF [COUNTY]
PLEA AGREEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Document Header
- Definitions
- Representations of the Defendant
- Covenants & Core Terms of the Plea
- Waivers
- Obligations of the State
- Court Approval & Contingencies
- Breach & Remedies
- Miscellaneous Provisions
- Execution Block
1. DOCUMENT HEADER
This Plea Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into on this ___ day of __ 20___ (the “Effective Date”) by and between:
• The State of Georgia, acting through the Office of the District Attorney for the [] Judicial Circuit (the “State”); and
• [DEFENDANT LEGAL NAME], DOB [], (“Defendant”), represented by counsel [DEFENSE COUNSEL NAME & BAR NO.].
RECITALS
A. A true bill of indictment/accusation numbered [CASE NO.] (the “Indictment”) charges Defendant with the offenses described in Addendum A (the “Charges”).
B. The parties desire to resolve the Charges without trial pursuant to Georgia law and Uniform Superior Court Rule 33, subject to approval by the Superior Court of [County] (the “Court”).
C. In consideration of the mutual promises herein, the adequacy and receipt of which are acknowledged, the parties agree as follows.
2. DEFINITIONS
For ease of reference, capitalized terms shall have the meanings set forth below.
“Agreement” – This State of Georgia Plea Agreement, including all addenda and signature pages.
“Charges” – The criminal counts listed in Addendum A.
“Court” – The Superior Court of [County], State of Georgia.
“Defendant” – The individual identified in the Document Header who agrees to plead guilty or nolo contendere under this Agreement.
“Effective Date” – The date first written above.
“Indictment” – The indictment or accusation pending in the Court under Case No. [___].
“Parties” – Collectively, the State and the Defendant.
“Plea” – Defendant’s plea of [GUILTY / NOLO CONTENDERE] to the Charges as stated in Section 4.1.
“Sentence” – The total disposition specified in Addendum B and ordered by the Court.
[// GUIDANCE: Add additional defined terms if unique conditions (e.g., “Cooperation Obligations,” “Restitution Amount”) are negotiated.]
3. REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEFENDANT
3.1 Competency & Voluntariness.
a. Defendant is mentally competent, understands English (or is assisted by a certified interpreter), and is entering this Agreement voluntarily, free from coercion or promises not contained herein.
b. Defendant has had adequate time to consult with counsel regarding the Plea, possible defenses, sentencing exposure, and collateral consequences.
3.2 Factual Basis.
Defendant admits that sufficient facts exist to establish every element of each Charge to which a Plea is offered and stipulates that the Court may rely on the factual proffer made by the State or on the admissions set out in Addendum C.
3.3 Disclosure of Immigration & Collateral Consequences.
Defendant acknowledges that a conviction may carry immigration, civil, and other collateral consequences, including but not limited to deportation, exclusion, firearm prohibitions, and loss of certain civil rights. Defendant has discussed these potential consequences with counsel.
3.4 No Additional Promises.
No officer, attorney, or agent of the State has made any promise, inducement, or representation to Defendant other than as expressly set forth in this Agreement.
4. COVENANTS & CORE TERMS OF THE PLEA
4.1 Entry of Plea.
Subject to Court approval, Defendant shall enter a plea of [GUILTY / NOLO CONTENDERE] to the Charges (or amended Charges) listed in Addendum A at the plea hearing scheduled for [DATE] (the “Plea Hearing”).
4.2 Sentencing Recommendation.
The Parties agree to the sentencing terms in Addendum B (the “Recommended Sentence”). The State shall recommend that the Court impose the Recommended Sentence. Defendant stipulates that the Recommended Sentence is fair, reasonable, and within the statutory limits.
4.3 Conditions of Sentence.
a. Probation. [INSERT TERM], subject to general and special conditions attached as Addendum D.
b. Confinement. [INSERT TERM] to be served [INCARCERATION / SUSPENDED / SPLIT SENTENCE].
c. Fines & Assessments. Total of $[], payable under the schedule set forth in Section 4.4.
d. Restitution. $[] payable to [VICTIM NAME] as a condition of probation.
e. Other Special Conditions. [COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS, TREATMENT PROGRAMS, NO-CONTACT ORDERS, ETC.].
4.4 Payment Terms.
All monetary obligations shall be paid through the Clerk of Court on or before [DATE] unless otherwise ordered. Late payments constitute a probation violation.
4.5 Cooperation (If Applicable).
Defendant agrees to provide truthful testimony and full cooperation in matters arising from the underlying investigation. Failure to do so constitutes a material breach as set forth in Section 8.
[// GUIDANCE: Delete Section 4.5 if cooperation is not part of the bargain.]
5. WAIVERS
5.1 Trial Rights.
By entering the Plea, Defendant knowingly and voluntarily waives the rights to:
a. A trial by jury;
b. Confront and cross-examine witnesses;
c. Compulsory process for obtaining witnesses;
d. Require the State to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt; and
e. Remain silent and refuse to testify.
5.2 Appeal Waiver.
Except as provided below, Defendant waives the right to appeal or collaterally attack the conviction and Sentence. This waiver does not bar:
a. A claim that the Court imposed an illegal Sentence exceeding statutory maximums;
b. A claim of ineffective assistance of counsel; or
c. A timely motion to withdraw the Plea as permitted by Georgia law.
5.3 Evidence Derived From Breach.
Should Defendant breach this Agreement, statements made in connection with the Plea may be used by the State in any subsequent prosecution, subject to applicable evidentiary rules.
6. OBLIGATIONS OF THE STATE
6.1 Dismissal or Nolle Prosequi.
Upon the Court’s acceptance of the Plea and imposition of the Sentence, the State shall move to dismiss or nolle prosequi any remaining counts listed in Addendum A as “Dismissed Counts.”
6.2 Sentencing Recommendation.
The State shall present the Recommended Sentence to the Court as a joint recommendation. The State makes no guarantee that the Court will follow the recommendation.
6.3 No Further Prosecution.
Except for crimes of violence or perjury committed after the Effective Date, the State will not prosecute Defendant for offenses arising from the same conduct described in the Indictment.
7. COURT APPROVAL & CONTINGENCIES
7.1 Acceptance or Rejection by the Court.
The Plea and Recommended Sentence are contingent upon the Court’s approval. If the Court rejects the Recommended Sentence, Defendant may:
a. Accept the Sentence the Court proposes; or
b. Withdraw the Plea and proceed to trial with all constitutional rights intact.
7.2 Presentence Investigation.
The Court may order a presentence investigation. The State and Defendant shall fully cooperate with the probation office in compiling any required report.
8. BREACH & REMEDIES
8.1 Defendant Breach.
A “Defendant Breach” occurs if Defendant:
a. Fails to appear for the Plea Hearing or sentencing;
b. Provides materially false information to the Court or State;
c. Commits a new criminal offense prior to sentencing; or
d. Fails to satisfy any cooperation obligation.
8.2 Remedies for Defendant Breach.
Upon Defendant Breach, the State may, at its sole election:
a. Declare the Agreement null and void;
b. Prosecute Defendant on all original Charges without limitation;
c. Introduce Defendant’s statements made pursuant to this Agreement; and/or
d. Seek any lawful Sentence up to the statutory maximum.
8.3 State Breach.
If the State materially breaches its obligations, Defendant may elect specific performance or withdrawal of the Plea, and any statements made solely under this Agreement shall remain inadmissible.
9. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
9.1 Governing Law & Forum.
This Agreement is governed by Georgia criminal law. Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the Superior Court of [County], Georgia; arbitration is not available.
9.2 Integration.
This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the Parties and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous promises, agreements, or representations.
9.3 Amendment & Waiver.
No amendment or waiver is effective unless in writing and signed by the State, Defendant, and Defense Counsel. A waiver of any breach does not operate as a waiver of any other breach.
9.4 Severability.
Should any provision be held invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force to the extent practicable.
9.5 Counterparts & Electronic Signatures.
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which is deemed an original. Signatures transmitted via facsimile, PDF, or accepted secure electronic signature platform shall be deemed originals.
10. EXECUTION BLOCK
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties execute this Agreement on the dates indicated below.
STATE OF GEORGIA
By: _____
[NAME], Assistant District Attorney
Office of the District Attorney, [] Judicial Circuit
Date: _______
DEFENDANT
I certify that I have read (or have had read to me) this entire Agreement, understand its terms, and voluntarily accept them.
[DEFENDANT NAME]
Date: _______
DEFENSE COUNSEL
I certify that I have fully explained the contents and consequences of this Agreement to Defendant and believe Defendant understands and knowingly agrees to all terms.
[ATTORNEY NAME], Esq.
Georgia Bar No. [_]
Date: _______
COURT APPROVAL
SO ORDERED this ___ day of __ 20___. The Court finds that the Plea is knowing, voluntary, and supported by a factual basis.
Judge, Superior Court of [County], State of Georgia
ADDENDA (Attach as Needed)
Addendum A – Charges & Disposition Table
Addendum B – Recommended Sentence Detail
Addendum C – Factual Basis for Plea
Addendum D – Special Conditions of Probation
[// GUIDANCE: Use addenda to provide granular sentencing grids, restitution schedules, or special conditions. Update cross-references if addenda are modified.]