Plea Bargaining in New York: What the Court Data Shows

According to 80,930 DCJS pretrial release records from 2019–2024, DWI / DUI cases across 61 New York counties have an average dismissal rate of 9.3% and an average conviction rate of 90.3%.

Plea bargaining is central to how New York's criminal courts function. The vast majority of cases are resolved through negotiated pleas rather than trial. This guide examines what DCJS pretrial release data (1.38M records, 2019-2024) reveals about charge reduction and plea patterns across the state.

What Our Data Shows About Plea Patterns

Analyzing dispositions across 62 New York counties, our data suggests:

• Charge reductions are common across most offense categories
• The rate at which charges are reduced varies significantly by county
• Some charge types show higher reduction rates than others — for example, DWI cases and drug possession cases show distinct plea patterns

County-Level Variation in Plea Outcomes

One of the most striking findings in our data is how much plea patterns differ across New York counties. The same charge category may be resolved very differently depending on where the case is prosecuted. These differences may reflect local prosecutorial policies, court culture, caseload pressures, and available diversion programs.

Charge Reductions in the Data

Our DCJS data tracks the original arraignment charge and the disposition charge, allowing us to identify when a case results in a plea to a reduced charge. This is one of the most informative data points for understanding how cases are actually resolved.

Factors That May Influence Plea Outcomes

When reviewing plea and charge reduction statistics, keep in mind:

• The strength of the evidence in individual cases
• Whether the defendant has legal representation
• The defendant's criminal history
• Local court and prosecutorial policies
• Available diversion or treatment programs

Next Steps

For information about plea options in your specific case, consult a licensed New York criminal defense attorney. Explore our charge statistics pages to see how cases in your charge category are resolved across New York counties.