In most cases, criminal defendants are usually offered some type of plea bargain unless the crime they are accused of is incredibly serious or of a violent nature. Sometimes a plea bargain can be in your best interests, but other times, it can be incredibly costly. Here’s what to know and how to work with an experienced Palm Beach criminal defense attorney to get the best possible plea deal offer.
What A Plea Deal Might Cost You
First and foremost, a plea deal costs you a clean criminal record. If you’ve never been convicted of a crime before and you accept a plea bargain, you give up any chance you have to potentially be found innocent. And if you were charged with a felony, pleading out could mean that you give up your rights to own a firearm.
Advantages Of Plea Bargains
Even though there are some disadvantages of accepting a plea deal, there are also many reasons why you might want to take a plea bargain, like:
- The state has iron-clad evidence against you. If you’re on video or the state has DNA evidence that proves you committed the crime, it may not be in your best interests to try to fight your innocence in court. If it’s unlikely you’ll win, a plea deal might be the lesser of two evils.
- You want to put an end to the case. If the investigation has been long and arduous, or you’ve run out of money to pay a defense lawyer, accepting a plea deal will allow you to put an end to the case and the hassle of going back and forth between the court.
- A public trial would be detrimental to your public image. If you are a public figure or otherwise well known in your community, and a public trial would severely impact your reputation, taking a plea deal can keep you out of court and keep your case from getting as much – if any – publicity.
Get Legal Help From An Experienced Palm Beach County Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Don’t hesitate after being arrested for a crime to reach out to a qualified Florida criminal defense attorney who can help you decide the best way forward. Call Michael T. Rabideau today for more information or to book your free first-time consultation by dialing (561) 820-4848.
