Should I Ever Plead Guilty to a Crime in New Jersey?

If you’ve been arrested, it is your choice to take the case to trial or enter a guilty plea. If you enter a guilty plea, you will avoid a trial. However, you will also accept a conviction, which can result in harsh penalties such as fines, possible jail time, and a record that could haunt you for the rest of your life. As such, many individuals facing criminal charges wonder whether they should plead guilty. Please continue reading to learn whether it is the right choice to plead guilty to a crime and how a seasoned Camden County Criminal Defense Attorney can aggressively defend you to safeguard your rights.

Is It Ever the Right Choice To Plead Guilty to a Crime in New Jersey?

Following an arrest, you should exercise your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney during interrogations—anything you say or do can and will be used against you. Therefore, before you answer any questions or accept a plea deal, you must discuss your case with a qualified criminal defense attorney. If you are innocent, you should never plead guilty, as you have the right to a speedy trial by a jury of peers. Unfortunately, innocent individuals plead guilty due to the time and expense of a criminal trial.

When Is It Not Practical To Plead Guilty?

In some cases, pleading not guilty is the only practical option. You should not accept plea bargain agreements for criminal charges unless you carefully weigh your options with a qualified attorney. The only time that you should agree to a plea deal is if your attorney recommends it as your best possible option. As mentioned above, if you are innocent of the crime you have been accused of, you must exercise your right to a jury trial by your peers to seek an acquittal. If the prosecution’s evidence is strong and an acquittal is unlikely, then entering a guilty plea is reasonable to achieve lesser charges. However, if the evidence is weak, you may have a more substantial chance of securing an acquittal by undergoing a trial.

Nevertheless, there are numerous reasons why an individual may not be able to plead guilty to criminal charges and must reach reduced or dismissed charges without entering a guilty verdict. It is usually impractical for individuals who hold specific professional licenses for their career or have entered the U.S. on a visa to plead guilty, as it can have dire consequences. If you hold a professional license, your ability to practice may be suspended or even permanently revoked if you are convicted of a particular crime. For example, if you are convicted of a sex crime as a teacher, you will likely lose your license due to posing a risk to student safety. If you are in the United States on a visa or hold permanent resident status, a criminal conviction for felonies or crimes of “moral turpitude” can result in deportation.

If you’ve been arrested, it is in your best interest to contact the legal team at Thomas DeMarco & Associates, LLC. Our firm is prepared to aggressively fight for you to protect you from an uncertain future.

Call Us

Email Us