If you face criminal charges in Kentucky you have a lot to worry about. The most important thing you must do in the very beginning of any criminal investigation, arrest or when you get in trouble with the law is ask for an attorney.
An attorney will help you evaluate your options before you make a decision. Some of these decisions are life-altering, so it is important to understand why it is crucial to have an attorney advise you of your rights and strategically, what your best bet is.
Pros of Taking a Plea Deal
One such decision is whether or not to take a plea deal. A plea deal, or plea bargain, is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecution in which you, the defendant, agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge or receive a reduced sentence in exchange for avoiding continued prosecution and ultimately, a trial.
Plea deals have advantages, thats for sure– but they are not without drawbacks. First, it is important to understand why it is beneficial for the prosecution to have you accept a plea deal. The District Attorney’s Office, where prosecutors work, are often swamped with cases, their staff is overworked and their office is, many times, understaffed.
Reaching an agreement with the prosecution means they have one less case to work about. They show up at the initial hearing, propose the plea and, if you do not have an attorney or the knowledge, you might think you are getting the deal of a lifetime.
However, that is not always true. An attorney can help you not only understand what they are offering you, but also negotiate your plea deal if you choose to take it.
Cons of Taking a Plea Deal
What is the downside of taking a plea deal? First, you must be careful if you face criminal charges and have not retained an attorney yet because the prosecution will pressure you to accept the plea they are offering you. You might be completely innocent and still, the prosecution can make you plead guilty for something you did not do.
If you admit guilt, you must know what the consequences of that will be. Common questions to ask your attorney are:
- Will you have a criminal record?
- Will these charges, and the arrest, be open information to the public?
- Can this information be discovered in a background check?
- Will this impact your ability to get housing?
There are more questions you should ask, which is why having an attorney walk you through the process is so important. Making the decision to take or not take a plea can have catastrophic effects on your life, if you do not understand what you are signing.
Whether to accept or deny a plea deal is a significant decision that should be made with careful consideration and legal guidance. Every case is unique, and the pros and cons of a plea deal will vary based on individual circumstances.