People who don’t have a lot of experience with the criminal justice system may be very confused by the process. Everyone who is charged with a criminal offense can expect to have an arraignment, where they get the opportunity to enter a plea. The prosecutor may approach a defendant before this hearing to offer a deal in exchange for a guilty plea. However, pleading guilty during an arraignment means giving up all rights a person has to defend themselves. It’s important for anyone who’s been charged with a serious crime to consult with an experienced attorney before entering a plea.
Plea Options
A defendant has an option to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest. Each of these has consequences that could impact a defendant for a very long time.
Guilty
A guilty plea means a defendant no longer has the right to remain silent and they no longer have the right to confront witnesses. A defendant may plead guilty if they have made a deal with the prosecutor for a reduced sentence in exchange for the plea.
Not Guilty
Not guilty pleas preserve those rights. Some people who may have committed the crime enter a not guilty plea at their arraignment to force the state to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The Wegmann Law Firm in Hillsboro MO may defend a client throughout their trial.
No Contest
The other option is to plead no contest. When a defendant does this, they admit that the facts on the police report or indictment are accurate. Most people who plead no contest are found guilty by the judge. However, entering this plea rather than a guilty plea may give them an opportunity to defend themselves in a civil case.
Defendants should consult with Wegmann Law Firm in Hillsboro MO before they decide which plea to enter at their arraignment. A judge may give a continuance to a defendant that needs time to consult with their lawyer. A mistake during this part of the legal process could have long-standing consequences. Visit the Website to consult with an experienced attorney to get sound legal advice.
