When you are charged with a crime, you may think you should immediately plead not guilty. However, there are actually times when pleading guilty in a case may be more beneficial to you in the short and long-term. If you are facing such circumstances, here are some reasons to consider pleading guilty to the charges you are facing.
Quicker Resolution
If you choose to plead guilty to the charges against you, this will ensure a much quicker resolution to the matter. Should you choose to fight the charges against you, a criminal trial will ensue and likely take months to complete. In addition, if you do not want to put yourself or others through the stress of a trial, pleading guilty will ensure this does not happen.
Saving Money
Needless to say, if you choose to plead not guilty and go through a trial and possible appeals, your legal fees will be substantial. Therefore, if you are concerned about paying for your criminal defense, you may want to work with your attorney to learn more about how pleading guilty will keep your costs down.
Opportunity for Plea Bargain
If you decide to plead guilty to the charges levied against you, you will have the chance to have your lawyer work out a plea bargain on your behalf. In doing so, you can likely get a much better deal than if you took your chances with a trial. More often than not, the charges against you will be greatly reduced, limiting the fines or jail time you may receive.
Taking Responsibility for Your Actions
Finally, pleading guilty in a criminal case will show the judge and others that you are indeed taking responsibility for your actions. Upon doing so, you make it easier for your attorney to work out a plea bargain on your behalf, since prosecutors will not be able to say you are refusing to be held accountable for your crimes. Depending upon your situation, pleading guilty may let you have the opportunity to later on have your criminal record expunged.
Though you may initially have a hard time believing pleading guilty will benefit you and your case, it will be important to discuss all angles of your case with your attorney. Once you do and realize the time, costs, and other factors that go along with fighting the charges in court, pleading guilty will in fact emerge as the most logical way to conclude the matter.
Author information: Anica Oaks is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.
