Do I Need A Lawyer If I Plan On Pleading Guilty?
by King Law
If you were charged with a crime, you might think – for any number of reasons – that you should just plead guilty, and since you are planning on going this route, you might also assume you do not need a lawyer. The legal system, however, is complex, and understanding the laws that govern your rights can be difficult without the help of a seasoned criminal defense attorney. A lawyer can help you understand the charges you are facing, penalties associated with a conviction, and legal options for getting your charges reduced or dropped.
THE BURDEN OF PROOF RESTS WITH PROSECUTION
Being charged with a crime does not automatically mean you are guilty. You are innocent until proven guilty. Generally, that means the prosecution must present evidence in your case that proves, beyond a reasonable doubt, you committed the crime. Often, cases are won because the prosecution fails to meet this burden of proof. A skilled attorney can evaluate and question the evidence presented in your case to determine if there are any holes in the prosecution’s arguments. Depending on the strength or weakness of the prosecution’s case, you might not be convicted.
QUESTIONING THE ADMISSIBILITY OF EVIDENCE PRESENTED IN YOUR CASE
Part of an attorney’s evaluation includes determining if the evidence is admissible in court. Under the Fourth Amendment, you are protected from unreasonable search and seizure, which means that if law enforcement searched your property without a warrant or probable cause, they might have violated your rights. Evidence obtained illegally might be subject to the exclusionary rule, which prohibits it from being presented in court. An attorney will know how to question the method of obtaining the evidence and can argue to have it dismissed, which could weaken the prosecution’s case against you.
NEGOTIATING A PLEA BARGAIN WITH PROSECUTION
If the prosecution has legally obtained evidence that could be used to build a case against you, you might feel you should plead guilty because you stand no chance in court. However, in such instances, you still have options available to you that a lawyer can help you understand. A knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer will have the skills to negotiate with prosecution to work toward obtaining a more favorable outcome for you. The lawyer might be able to work out a sentence plea bargain to have charges reduced or dropped and jail time lessened.
You might have options available to you if you have been charged with a crime; before you decide to plead guilty, consult with a practiced criminal defense attorney who can help you understand what avenues you can pursue.
CALL KING LAW FOR SUPERIOR LEGAL REPRESENTATION
Our Rochester criminal defense attorney is dedicated to providing you with strong legal counsel if you are facing criminal charges. We understand the devastating effects a conviction can have on your future, which is why we provide you with personalized legal representation to build a strategic defense for your case. To date, we have successfully handled hundreds of misdemeanor and felony cases and are committed to protecting the rights of individuals charged with a crime. We will work hard to obtain a favorable outcome in your case.
Call us at (585) 270-8882 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
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