When you’re charged with a felony offense, there are many considerations you’ll need to make from the moment you are placed under arrest. One of the most important things you must decide is whether or not you want to go to trial. This is something that only you can determine. However, you should connect with an Oklahoma City felony defense lawyer who can help guide you in the right direction. The following blog explores the benefits of each option to help you determine which choice is in your best interest.
What Are the Benefits if I Proceed to Trial?
If you want to proceed to trial, one of the benefits is that it can help you avoid a conviction. When you plead guilty to a criminal offense, it will remain on your permanent record, which can impact your job opportunities and other areas for the rest of your life. As such, going to trial gives you the chance to fight the charges and potentially avoid a criminal conviction. This is because you may provide evidence that can garner a “not guilty” verdict, meaning you will not face charges due to a lack of criminal culpability.
In addition, the criminal justice system in the United States is founded on the basis that someone is innocent until proven guilty. As such, the prosecution has a burden to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty of a crime. Depending on the strength of the evidence gathered, going to trial may be in your best interest as you can fight the charges to prove your innocence.
Why Should I Consider Pleading Guilty?
Pleading guilty can remove the uncertainty associated with going to trial. Even if you are innocent, you may find that you can be convicted for a crime you did not commit. As such, you can dedicate considerable time and money to a trial, only to be convicted. However, if you plead guilty, you can often negotiate a lesser charge, which will carry lighter penalties without the stress of a trial.
What Should I Do?
While both options have pros and cons, the most important thing you must consider during these matters is that you should not make this decision without consulting an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Working with an attorney ensures you have someone familiar with the law who can examine the circumstances around your case to determine the best course of action for your unique needs. Unfortunately, many jump at the chance to plead guilty without realizing the prosecution isn’t offering them the best deal. As such, your attorney can determine if a plea deal is in your best interest and negotiate the terms to offer the best possible outcome.
Deciding whether or not to go to trial is one of the most important decisions you can make regarding your criminal trial. The other most important decision is hiring the right legal representation! At the Jones Firm, PLLC, our dedicated team understands the complexity of these matters, so you can rest assured that we will examine the details of your case to provide you with the best possible advice. Connect with our team today to learn how we can assist you.