Does a person have to abide by a verbal agreement

Q: Do you go to jail immediately after accepting a plea deal?

Not necessarily. When you accept a plea deal, the judge may not impose a sentence immediately. You could be released until your sentencing date, which is often scheduled for a later time. However, this can depend on the nature of the charges and the terms of the plea agreement.

Q: Is a pretrial conference a good thing?

A pretrial conference can be beneficial as it allows both parties to discuss the case, clarify issues, and potentially reach a settlement. It can also help streamline the trial process by addressing procedural matters. However, its effectiveness often depends on the willingness of both parties to negotiate.

Q: Why do people settle instead of going to trial?

People often settle to avoid the uncertainties and expenses of a trial. Settlements can provide a quicker resolution, reduce legal costs, and allow both parties to have more control over the outcome. Trials can be unpredictable, and a settlement can ensure a guaranteed result.

Q: Do you go to jail during a pre-trial?

Whether you go to jail during a pretrial hearing depends on the circumstances of your case. If you are out on bail or have not been arrested, you typically will not go to jail. However, if there are outstanding warrants or violations of bail conditions, you could be taken into custody.

Full question:

A pre trial hearing was set, I was the defendant in this case. The plaintiff was trying to get money back from me, for money he gave me as a down payment on a home. We had come to an agreement before the trial and we agreed the house was to be sold and we would split the proceeds. I was to continue to pay for the home as well as insurance and property tax. We never signed any paper work as to this agreement. My question is this. Do I have to abide by the agreement seeing as how no paper work was signed?

Category: Contracts
Subcategory: Breach of Contract
Date: 04/07/2025
State: National

Answer:

I am prohibited from giving legal advice. The answer will depend on all the facts and circumstances involved. If the terms were accepted and consideration, such as a dismissal of the lawsuit, was given in return, a valid contract may have been formed. An oral contract
may be enforced in the same way a written contract is, the difference is a matter of evidence available to prove the terms of the contract if there is a dispute. A contract that transfers land must be put in writing to satisfy the statute of frauds, but the agreement may have
been short of a transfer, and merely an agreement to transfer the property.

If it was put on the record and approved by the court, it is enforceable as a judgment. If it's not enforceable as a contract or a judgment, then it may have merely been an offer which is still subject to not being accepted and may be rejected or renegotiated.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

How long after a pretrial is the trial?

The time between a pretrial hearing and the actual trial can vary significantly. It often depends on the court's schedule, the complexity of the case, and any motions filed. Generally, trials can be set anywhere from a few weeks to several months after a pretrial hearing. It's best to consult with your attorney for specifics related to your case.

Can you go to jail at a pre-trial hearing?

Yes, it is possible to go to jail at a pretrial hearing, especially if you are facing serious charges or if there are issues such as a violation of bail conditions. However, many pretrial hearings are focused on procedural matters and may not result in immediate incarceration. Always consult with your attorney regarding your specific situation.