Planning On Pleading Guilty? Three Reasons Why You Need To Consult With A Criminal Defense Lawyer
Are you preparing to plead guilty to a criminal offense? It is certainly not an uncommon result to a criminal case. In fact, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) reports that 90 to 95 percent of cases are resolved through a plea bargain. You may be ready to plead guilty so that you can start the process of moving forward with your life. While understandable, pleading guilty without an attorney is a big mistake. In this article, you will find three key reasons why you should still consult with an Orlando criminal defense attorney if you plan on pleading guilty to a criminal charge.
- Your Arrest and the Charges Should Be Analyzed By a Professional
Why are you planning on pleading guilty to a criminal charge? Is it because you believe that the prosecution will be able to get a conviction? Do not be so sure—at least until your charges are reviewed by an experienced Orlando criminal defense lawyer. Police and prosecutors often overstate the strength of their case. Your attorney will review the arrest itself, the evidence the state has, and the charges to make sure that you are not pleading guilty to something that prosecution cannot actually prove in court.
- You Have the Right to Negotiate for a Better Plea Agreement
Broadly speaking, a plea agreement is a settlement. It is effectively a way for the parties in the case—the prosecution and the defense—to resolve the matter without a trial. Are you accepting the first plea agreement that was offered? It is unlikely that the prosecutor is truly leading with the best possible deal. You have the right to negotiate for better terms. A criminal defense lawyer will be your advocate. Do not plead guilty until you are sure that you are getting the best agreement. It could be the difference between a jail term and avoiding any time behind bars.
- Your Lawyer Will Ensure that the Terms of the Plea Deal are Enforced
Did you know that a plea agreement is not “automatically” applied? As a general rule, the prosecution must go back to the court and file certain paperwork with the judge. Are you confident that the state will handle everything properly? Errors happen. It is crucial that you have an experienced Orlando, FL criminal defense attorney by your side who can ensure that the terms of the plea bargain are upheld and that all of the proper paperwork is filed with the appropriate courts and legal bodies.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation With an Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney
At The Baez Law Firm, our Orlando criminal defense lawyer is an aggressive, solutions-focused advocate for justice. If you are preparing to negotiate a plea agreement, we are here to help ensure that your rights and your future are protected every step of the way. Contact us for a fully private case assessment. We serve communities throughout Central Florida, including Orlando, Winter Park, Maitland, Altamonte Springs, Sanford, St. Cloud, Apopka, and Lake Buena Vista.
Source:
bja.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh186/files/media/document/PleaBargainingResearchSummary.pdf