I’m Pleading Guilty–Still Need a Lawyer?
Many people planning to plead guilty to the charges against them wonder if it is necessary to have a lawyer. No matter the circumstances of your case, the advice and legal guidance of a Breckenridge criminal defense attorney are vital. Before engaging the police in any communication or signing a plea agreement, you need to talk to an attorney first. Read on to find out why.
Understanding Plea Deals and Their Consequences
When you agree to a plea deal, you help resolve a criminal case without needing a court trial. Colorado is one of the states with a high number of plea deals, with most cases not going to trial. In 2019, for instance, there were 56,000 cases filed in Colorado, but only 1,110 of them went to trial. This shows that over 90% of cases in the state don’t go to trial. Plea deal negotiations may start before the defendant goes on trial — these negotiations aim at finding an amicable solution. These negotiations can also happen after or during the trial before the verdict is rendered. The goal is to prevent trial and ensure the dispute is settled amicably.
Why Take a Plea Bargain?
Both the federal and state governments often have too many cases to prosecute. To manage the overload, the prosecution might offer you a plea bargain to eliminate the need for a court trial. Remember that a plea bargain is a deal between the defendant and the prosecution, with the defendant pleading guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for an agreement to drop other charges leveled against them. Plea bargains come with a wide range of advantages and disadvantages. An experienced and dedicated attorney will guide you on the ideal option regarding your case.
Some of the advantages of plea bargains include the following:
- Avoiding jail, especially in misdemeanor cases
- Avoiding the uncertainty and cost of going to trial
- Reduced sentences or prison time
Plea bargains also have various disadvantages. Knowing them will help you make an informed decision and prevent setbacks. The disadvantages include the following:
- Losing the right to appeal a conviction
- Losing the chance to be found not guilty by the judge
- If placed under probation, you will have restrictions on your freedom and rights
How a Summit County Defense Lawyer Can Help
Having an experienced Colorado criminal defense attorney by your side is crucial, even if you plan to plead guilty. Unfortunately, some people fail to see the need for an attorney because they have given up defense. This is not the case at all. It is necessary to get a criminal defense lawyer even if you decide to plead guilty. This is because an attorney will:
- Prevent you from accidentally incriminating yourself
- Protect your rights during investigations
- Assess and evaluate the strength of all evidence against you
- Enlighten you on the charges you are facing
- Guide you on the right legal steps you should take
Contact a Defense Lawyer at Whitaker & Penix, LLC for Help
If you decide to plead guilty to the charges against you, you will still need an attorney. Our experienced and dedicated Summit County defense attorneys at Whitaker & Penix, LLC are here to guide you through every step of the way.
We have in-depth knowledge of plea bargains in Colorado and will help you make the right decisions. We will also protect your rights during the negotiations and prevent you from accidentally incriminating yourself. Call us at (970) 368-0602 to schedule your appointment with our skilled Breckenridge criminal defense lawyers.