Typically, the city, county, state, or federal government are the ones bringing criminal charges against someone. So a private practice criminal law attorney is typically known as a defense attorney. Their job is to review their client’s cases and defend them as best they can, which means formulating either a defense against the charges or arguing for the best possible plea deal. There are reasons your criminal defense attorney might advise you to plea bargain.
Should You Plea?
Plea bargaining is the process of admitting guilt to a crime in exchange for a lesser sentence. In some instances, you can even plea bargain without an admission of guilt, for you are essentially pleading that you do not wish to contest the charges but are not admitting to any wrongdoing. A criminal law attorney in West Palm Beach might advise you to plea bargain if the state’s case against you seems insurmountable.
Also, a criminal lawyer in West Palm Beach might advise you to plea bargain if you are offered a good deal. In some cases, the stress and expenses of a trial can be more damaging than whatever sentence you might receive from the court. In those cases, it can be advisable to take a plea deal.
Should You Fight?
In other cases, a criminal law attorney might advise you to fight the charges. You might fight the charges because you think you can beat them or because the offer from the court is not satisfactory. If they offer you a plea bargain that you find unsatisfactory, you can fight the charges. In those cases, it is absolutely essential to have the best possible lawyer. A good attorney will be able to help you fight the charges to the fullest extent of the law.
In most cases that result in jail time, the person plea bargains. It is not as common as you might think to go to court and end up losing your defense.
