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Do I really need a lawyer if I plead guilty?

by Richard J. Banta | Jul 14, 2020 | Uncategorized

Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with a crime, you might be wondering whether you really need a criminal defense lawyer, especially if you are planning on pleading guilty. Perhaps you are thinking doing so would be a waste of money. Or, you have already been told there is enough evidence against you to prove your guilt. Failing to hire a criminal lawyer could be a mistake. Without a lawyer at your side, you could face charges that might have been avoided or dropped. You might also fail to understand the seriousness of your charges or face penalties that might have been avoided. 

Pleading Guilty Might Be Unnecessary

You might think that pleading guilty is the right decision, and you may also believe that by doing so, the outcome of your case may be better. Owning up to anything could result in consequences that may have been avoided. A criminal defense lawyer can review your case and help you to understand whether pleading guilty is actually the best option. 

A good lawyer can review the case against you and look for any mistakes that have been made. If this is true, a motion to dismiss might be an option. In other scenarios, a lawyer may be able to work with the prosecutor to have some of the charges dropped or reduced. 

A criminal record can affect your rights and your life. Receiving advice about your case could protect your future. Let a criminal defense lawyer from [law firm name] review your case and clarify the convoluted legal jargon so you can make a sound decision on how to proceed. 

What A Guilty Plea Means

If you plan on pleading guilty, ask yourself whether or not you have considered the potential consequences for the charges. Apart from the legal penalties, you may also think about unforeseeable consequences that are related to your life and future. It is certainly possible for the prosecutor to promise you no jail time or a deferred find if you plead guilty. Even if they are being sincere about their offer, you might still receive the following penalties:

  • Probation
  • Community service
  • Loss of a driver’s license
  • Loss of a professional license
  • Inability to live in public house
  • Inability to own a firearm
  • Deportation

A Lawyer May Be Able to Help You With Your Sentence

Even if you are certain that you would like to accept a guilty verdict, there may be variations in the penalties that could significantly affect your life. With the right criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can feel peace of mind in knowing that your rights and interests will be protected. A good lawyer should know how to negotiate with the prosecutors and recommend a sentence that is best suited to you. A lawyer can also present your case in a way that benefits you – even if you are guilty. 

If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime, please call a leading lawyer, like a criminal defense lawyer from the Law Office of Daniel Wright, right away.