Standing as a potential culprit in a dimly lit courtroom can feel like having the weight of the world on your shoulders. As the judge's gaze pierces through the tension, you start thinking you should plead guilty or not. Well, let us tell you, pleading guilty could change everything. Beaver County lawyers can walk you through the circumstance where pleading guilty is the only option left. However, when you still have options and you decide to plead guilty, understand precisely what you are giving up. Well, according to the attorneys in Beaver County, PA, you are giving up the following things when you plead guilty:
- The entitlement to a trial by jury.
- The privilege to summon witnesses.
- The prerogative to directly challenge your accuser.
- The option to remain silent.
- The authority to bring forth witnesses in your support.
- The opportunity to secure legal counsel for your defense against the allegations.
- The expectation for the government to establish your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- The right to a speedy trial
If You Plead Guilty, You Forfeit Your Right to Have a Trial
Most people don't understand that the U.S. Constitution protects their jury trial rights when facing a charge where incarceration of more than six months is possible. In Beaver County, if you are accused of a felony, you have the right to a jury with twelve jurors; for a misdemeanor, you have a right to a jury of size, and for a petty offense, you may have a right to a jury trial if you demand that right on time. In addition, when you go for a trial, you get the right to confront your accusers. This means the Allegheny County criminal lawyer representing you can question the prosecution's witness after they testify against you.
However, if you plead guilty, you give up your right to a proper hearing with an Allegheny County attorney, and the judge won't consider if you may be innocent. By pleading guilty, you also relinquish your right to argue for a lesser sentence or to negotiate a plea agreement. You leave your fate in the hands of the judge, who has the discretion to impose a sentence within the statutory guidelines. When you do so, you lose control over the outcome of your case. Your reputation can suffer a severe blow when you plead guilty to a crime, as the social stigma associated with a criminal conviction can damage your personal relationships and professional life.
Conclusion
Always understand that even when you brought your case to trial and did commit the crime, the prosecution cannot make you testify. The only person who can decide whether you testify or not is you, and so it's always advisable to listen to your lawyer and understand whether pleading guilty would be necessary for your case. Need help with criminal laws when you are charged with a crime? Contact Allegheny County criminal lawyers today. Whether you need help with a felony, DUI, or the aid of a wills and probate lawyer in Beaver County, the Law Office of Max C. Feldman, Attorneys at Law can always help you!
“The information provided does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials are for general informational purposes only.”
Source: https://attorneysinbeavercounty.blogspot.com/2023/10/what-do-you-lose-when-you-plead-guilty.html
