Do I Need An Elizabethtown Criminal Defense Lawyer If I Plan To Plead Guilty?

An arrest is a frightening experience that can leave you feeling you are guilty even if you did not commit a crime. From the moment of your arrest, law enforcement officers and prosecutors treat you as if you are guilty. When everyone you deal with assumes you are guilty of the crime, you may believe taking a plea bargain is the best option you have for resolving the matter. However, this is not in your best interest. The best thing you can do for yourself is to consult with an Elizabethtown criminal defense lawyer before accepting a plea bargain.

In many cases, the prosecutor offers a plea bargain with reduced charges to entice a person to plead guilty. Unfortunately, a judge is not bound by the terms of a plea bargain. The judge can impose the full sentence if he or she chooses to do so. Furthermore, the prosecutor could know the case against you is weak or has flaws and that is why the prosecutor offered a plea bargain. Until you consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney, you cannot know if a plea bargain is in your best interest.

Questions to Ask Yourself if You Are Considering a Plea Bargain in Your Criminal Case

• Can you live with the sentence that accompanies the plea bargain?

You need to consider the consequences of your plea bargain very seriously. The sentence and terms of the plea bargain may affect your life for years. A permanent criminal record can affect your career by limiting potential jobs and preventing you from obtaining the education that you desire. You may lose your ability to possess and own a firearm or vote in political elections.

Consulting with an Elizabethtown criminal defense lawyer prior to accepting a plea bargain is in your best interest. You need to understand the full implications of a plea bargain on your future. The prosecutor will not explain this to you when making a deal.

• Do I have other options or alternatives?

You may have other options and alternatives. Pleading guilty may be your best options; however, a criminal defense attorney could offer other options. Again, the prosecutor will not tell you about these other options because he wants a quick conviction. An Elizabethtown criminal defense lawyer analyzes your case to determine all of your options so you understand the pros and cons of all options before you make a decision to plead guilty. Furthermore, your attorney knows if your legal rights were violated and how to use this information as part of a strong defense strategy.

• Can an attorney help me even if I want to plead guilty?

Yes, an experienced Elizabethtown criminal defense lawyer is a benefit to you. Your attorney understands the laws that apply to your case including the laws that protect your civil rights. He is in a much better position to negotiate a plea bargain because of his experience and knowledge of the law and of the judicial system. You may have your criminal charges reduced or even dismissed depending on the facts and circumstances of your charges and arrest. However, you do not know this unless you consult with a criminal attorney prior to accepting a plea bargain.

• Do I have a deadline for hiring an Elizabethtown criminal defense lawyer?

No. You have the right to hire a criminal defense lawyer at any time before or after being charged with a crime. We strongly recommend that you contact our office immediately after you an arrest. Invoke your right to remain silent except for requesting an attorney. In fact, it is in your best interest to contact our office as soon as you know law enforcement officers are investigating you. The sooner you retain an attorney the sooner an attorney can protect your constitutional rights to be treated as innocent until proven guilty.

Your Future Is At Risk! Do Not Accept A Plea Bargain Until You Consult With Our Elizabethtown Criminal Defense Lawyer!

Contact an Experienced

Elizabethtown Criminal Defense Lawyer

The Elizabethtown criminal defense lawyer of Musselwhite Meinhart & Staples, PSC represents individuals facing criminal charges throughout central Kentucky.  You can trust that you are receiving effective, efficient, and compassionate legal representation when you need it the most. Your future and potentially your freedom are at stake. Do not be bullied into a plea bargain by an aggressive prosecutor. Let our attorneys perform an independent investigation first to protect your rights.

Contact our office by calling 270-506-4052 to schedule a free legal consultation and case evaluation with an experienced evaluation. You may also contact our office through our convenient online contact form.