When you are arrested for a crime, the prosecution’s job is to prove you are guilty. Even though this is the case, you may be retained and kept in custody during your trial process.
There’s no question that being arrested and kept in jail can be a stressful and overwhelming situation. While you may be tempted to go to court and fight the charges against you, a plea deal may be in your best interest.
It’s up to you to decide when you should and should not accept a plea deal; however, some situations where it could be beneficial are described here:
You face multiple felony charges that could otherwise be reduced
The state prosecutors determine the charges against you. Sometimes, they may decide to charge you with the most serious crime possible rather than the one they have the best case for. One of the motivations for this is to secure a guilty plea without going to trial.
You may also face several charges for a single situation, or a misdemeanor charge may be upgraded to a felony. If you face a felony conviction, agreeing to plead guilty to a lower crime is an appealing option. After all, a felony conviction may result in a lifetime of career restrictions and other issues.
The potential consequences of a conviction at trial are extreme
In some cases, you may not worry about the charge you face but the consequences of being found guilty. Many crimes come with mandatory jail sentences if you are found guilty. Most people charged with crimes submit a guilty plea to avoid going to trial. Doing this means you will likely get lower charges than what you would face in court.
Choosing the best option for your situation
When you’re facing serious charges, it’s a good idea to get to know all your legal options. This will help you know what you should do in terms of accepting a plea deal or going to court.