Should I just plead guilty to a criminal defense matter?
Answer:
Do not plead guilty without first having a competent attorney review the evidence, investigate the case, and explain your options. Your lawyer should compare a possible plea agreement with taking the case to trial so you can make an informed decision about your future.
A guilty plea should follow a careful review of the case with a competent attorney. Your lawyer should obtain and examine the discovery, investigate the circumstances, and discuss the evidence with you before you decide how to proceed.
That discussion should include the potential outcome at trial and the terms of any plea agreement being offered. Understanding both options allows you to weigh their advantages, risks, and consequences rather than making a decision without enough information.
My team spends considerable time meeting with clients to explain the choices available to them. We discuss how each option could affect their lives and what moving forward might look like after a plea or a trial.
A hardworking defense attorney should help you understand those issues and give you the information needed to make a sound decision. The goal is for you to choose how to proceed with a clear understanding of your case and your options.