There are many advantages and disadvantages to pleading guilty to avoid a trial, and Southern California’s top criminal defense attorney, Dan Chambers, can give you specific advice to determine the best the course of action for your particular case when you call 714-760-4088 or email dchambers@clfca.com for a complimentary initial consultation. In the meantime, here are some general insights that may or may not apply to your case.
Plea Bargain Pluses
Plea bargain: an agreement initiated by a prosecutor where a defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge (with lighter penalties) instead of pleading not guilty to a more severe one for the purposes of obtaining important information from the defendant to shorten the duration of the trial
Accepting a plea bargain can work in your favor it many situations, but prosecutors won’t even offer a plea bargain if they think you will automatically plea guilty to the original charge. Waiting to wait to see if a prosecutor will extend a plea bargain is often more wise than simply pleading guilty from the outset.
Pleading Guilty Can Put You on the Fast Track
One disadvantage to pleading guilty is that the case will move more quickly through the judicial system. If you have family or other important responsibilities and would like to avoid having to go to jail or pay penalties for a longer length of time, it can be beneficial to keep the judicial process going longer. Sometimes having a few extra months before being convicted can make a huge practical difference in people’s lives.
Additionally, some employers maintain employment contracts while a conviction is pending, but the defendant may have to seek a new job if/when a conviction is issued. Finding a new job may be more difficult when you have a conviction on your record, especially if it’s a felony charge, which is often a permanent part of your background check. This is an incredibly important consideration, especially if you have dependants who need the financial support that comes from your income.
On the other hand, having a faster trial can sometimes work in your favor because you often incur fewer legal and court fees, and it can be less emotionally stressful. Some people just want to get the legal process over will as soon as possible, and pleading guilty almost always speeds it up.
No One-Size-Fits-All Legal Strategy
There are so many considerations to be made when determining when it’s advisable to plea guilty and when it’s best to wait. Thankfully, you’ll have expert criminal defense attorney Dan Chambers of the Chambers Law Firm on your side when you call 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com. The legal process can be complicated and confusing, but Attorney Chambers’ legal expertise and wisdom will guide you through every step. He’s been serving clients in Southern California for over 20 years, so it’s impossible to intimidate him or throw him off guard.
For a complimentary initial consultation about your specific situation, call 714-760-4088 or email dchambers@clfca.com to schedule and appointment to with attorney Dan Chambers.
