If you are charged with committing a crime, you can plead not guilty and allow the case to proceed to trial or plead guilty to avoid the tedious court process. It is important to involve your Criminal Law Attorney in Florence KY, before deciding on one of these options to avoid making a decision with consequences that may haunt you later. The following are some of the negative consequences of pleading guilty to a criminal charge:
You may not get an opportunity to defend yourself
If you plead guilty of the criminal charges, you will be convicted, and will not have the opportunity to gather evidence that may help your defense. On the other hand, if you plead innocent, you have time to gather evidence that may acquit you of the charges. You may also retain your employment contracts while still proceeding with the court process.
Social Consequences
Some people may distance themselves from you after you plead guilty and are convicted of a crime. Conviction may also be used against you in future cases involving divorce and child custody, especially if your spouse mentions in court that you were convicted of a crime. If you have a strong defense against the criminal charges, it’s better to proceed to trial to avoid possible negative social prejudices.
On the other hand, you may benefit by pleading guilty to a criminal charge in the following ways:
Reduces the anxiety that comes with having an undecided case
You may feel unsettled before and during the trial period since you are unaware of the possible outcome of the case. In case you appeal the final judgment, the process may even take longer depending on the seriousness of the offense you are charged with.
Makes it easier for you to get a plea bargain
The prosecutor may want to offer you a plea bargain in case you are charged with an offense that is not very serious. However, some prosecutors may be reluctant to enter into a plea agreement with you if you plead not guilty. You can get better terms through plea bargain that may even lead to a lesser sentencing.
In case you are charged with a crime, contact David M. Blank for legal representation and advice on your case. You can also visit their website: dblanklaw.com for more information about a criminal law attorney in Florence KY.
