How does plea bargaining work in Massachusetts?

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1. Constitutional Framework   Sixth Amendment counsel rights apply at plea bargaining (Lafler v. Cooper; Missouri v. Frye). Pleas must be knowing, voluntary, and intelligent (Boykin v. Alabama; Commonwealth v. Furr).    2. Types of Pleas   Massachusetts recognizes guilty, nolo contendere, and 'admission to sufficient facts' (a unique device used principally in District Court to obtain a continuance without a finding). Alford-type pleas are uncommon but permissible (Commonwealth v. Lewis).    3. Charge vs Sentence Bargaining   Both occur. The Commonwealth may dismiss or reduce counts; sentence recommendations include House of Correction time, probation, or split sentences. Charge bargaining around firearm minimum mandatories under G.L. c. 269 is common.    4. Judicial Role   Mass. R. Crim. P. 12(b)(2) permits a defendant to seek the judge's intent to consider a particular disposition before tendering the plea. The judge may indicate but not coerce.    5. Plea Colloquy   Rule 12(c) requires the court to inform the defendant of the nature of the charge, the maximum sentence and any mandatory minimums, rights waived (jury, confrontation, self-incrimination), and (per G.L. c. 278, § 29D and Padilla v. Kentucky) the potential immigration consequences.    6. Withdrawal of Plea   Rule 12(c)(6): if the court will not accept the recommended disposition, the defendant has a right to withdraw the plea. Post-sentence withdrawal is by motion for new trial under Rule 30(b), requiring justice to be done.    7. Conditional Pleas   Massachusetts does not have a conditional-plea rule, but 'continuance without a finding' on an admission to sufficient facts effectively preserves some options.    8. Sentence Recommendation vs Bargain   The judge is not bound by the recommendation; the defendant's protection is the Rule 12(c)(6) right to withdraw if the court will impose a harsher sentence than recommended.    9. Plea Statistics   Approximately 94-96% of Massachusetts criminal convictions are by plea or admission.  This is legal information, not legal advice.