Only the Judge can decide your sentence. In pleading guilty, defendant admits the following facts and that those facts establish her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt: a.Defendants commonly agree to plead to certain criminal charges with the understanding that a judge will make the final decision as to sentencing. A plea agreement can be made anytime up to the time of trial. States today, yet it remains highly controversial. Supporters. The terms of plea agreements are not limited to the withdrawal of charges, or the length of a sentence. Sentence that is lighter than the one agreed to in the plea agreement. Finkelstein, M. (1975). To schedule your free case evaluation, call our office or fill out our convenient online form today.