Everyone makes mistakes in life. That’s how we learn and grow, but some mistakes are more severe than others and can carry legal consequences. If you’ve been arrested for a crime, retaining proper legal representation is essential, even if you know you are guilty of committing that crime.
The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees your right to legal counsel. Often, people believe that if they request a lawyer, it appears that they are hiding something. However, failing to hire a lawyer can leave you open to exploitation and manipulation.
Even if you are guilty of the crime you are charged with, having a criminal defense lawyer can ensure that your rights are protected and build a solid defense to help fight the charges against you. Here is more information about pleading guilty and how hiring a criminal defense lawyer can be beneficial, even if you know you’re guilty.
Consequences of a Guilty Plea
By entering a guilty plea, you are admitting to committing the crime you are charged with and are waiving your right to a jury trial, leaving the decision strictly with the judge in your case.
Some of the possible consequences of a guilty plea include:
- Significant fines
- Jail time
- Probation
- Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license
- Consequences with your employer
- Community service
- Deportation
- Loss of voting rights
- Revocation of professional licenses
- Inability to possess or carry a firearm
- Loss of custody or visitation of minor children
- Loss of public assistance benefits
Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer
Hiring a criminal defense attorney will help you defend yourself in the best way possible. Here are more reasons why hiring a lawyer can benefit your case.
Navigation of the Court System
Trying to navigate the legal system without an experienced lawyer to lead you is not advised. The court system is very complicated, which is why lawyers attend school for years to learn how to navigate it. As a result, you can easily get lost in legal complexities without knowing the best way to proceed.
Legal Advice
After your lawyer has examined the charges against you, they should be able to outline possible outcomes of your case. They can help you make informed decisions about your defense strategy and help you understand the pros and cons of a trial versus a plea deal.
Burden of Proof
Burden of Proof means that the prosecutor must prove, without a reasonable doubt, that you committed the crime you are charged with. So even if you’re guilty of the crime you’ve been accused of, the state must still prove its case.
Your attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence, point out inconsistencies in the case, dispute allegations, and even have your charges dismissed. Even if the charges aren’t dismissed, your attorney may be able to get your charges reduced to a less severe offense.
Negotiate a Plea Deal
If you decide that a plea deal is the best option in your situation, your lawyer may be able to use their relationship with the prosecution to gain a more favorable plea deal. They can use the information they learned through their investigation and pair it with their legal knowledge to try to negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce your charges or your sentence.
Propose Alternatives to Jail
There are alternative sentencing programs out there that can help you avoid jail time. For example, they could propose that you attend an alcohol or drug treatment program or community service as an alternative to incarceration.
Make Sure the Punishment Fits the Crime
Your criminal defense lawyer can ensure that the punishment you receive fits the crime you are charged with. They can also ask the judge for a reduced sentence.
Your Responsibilities
Your criminal defense lawyer has a responsibility to you to provide you with a strong defense and reliable legal advice. But you have responsibilities as well.
Communication with your lawyer is essential to the success of your case. Therefore, you must ensure that you are completely honest with your lawyer, providing them with as much detailed information as possible and not leave out any information. Effective communication can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Let Jeremy Widder Law Help You Get the Justice You Deserve
Whether you’re guilty or innocent, enlisting the services of an experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you explore all of the legal options available to you. That’s why you should contact your criminal defense attorney immediately after your arrest.
Being arrested can be scary, especially if you know you are guilty of the crime you’re charged with. When you choose to work with Jeremy Widder Law, you not only enlist the services of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer, but Mr. Widder worked as a prosecutor for nine years. He can provide a unique perspective that can give your case the extra help it needs.
Contact us today or book a consultation and let’s get to work on the next steps in getting you justice.
