Should I Still Hire an Attorney if I Think I'm Guilty?
Being arrested and charged with a crime can be terrifying, and the consequences of a conviction can be devastating. In California, a criminal conviction could jeopardize your quality of life, personal reputation, liberty, professional opportunities, and entire future. Even if you believe you're guilty of the allegations or there's evidence against you, you should still retain a lawyer. An aggressive California criminal defense attorney can enlighten you about the consequences of a guilty plea and help fight your charges.
At McCready Law Group, I have the skills, resources, and diligence to defend and represent individuals facing criminal allegations. As your legal counsel, I can evaluate and investigate every facet of your unique circumstances thoroughly and strategize a strong defense to help fight your charges. Using my comprehensive legal understanding, I can challenge the prosecutor's evidence against you and make sure you receive fair treatment in every stage of the legal process. My firm is proud to represent clients throughout Long Beach, California, and the surrounding communities of Cypress Hill and Lakewood.
Possible Consequences of a Guilty Plea
When a defendant submits a guilty plea, he or she admits that they committed the crime with the expectation of getting some consideration from the state. By pleading guilty, you’re automatically waiving your right to a jury trial, and the California court will decide what happens next. Here are some possible consequences of a guilty plea:
Massive fines
Serving time in county jail or state prison
Probation
Community service
Suspension or loss of a driver's license
Employment consequences
Deportation or inadmissibility into the United States
Loss of a professional license
Inability to possess or carry a firearm
Loss of parental rights, custody, or visitation of minor children
Damage to personal, familial, and professional relationships
Difficulties in securing employment, housing, and public benefits
However, if you plead not guilty, your case has to go to trial, and the prosecutor will have to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubts. A knowledgeable attorney can determine the best defenses for your case and help you avoid the immediate and long-lasting consequences of a criminal conviction or guilty plea.
Reasons to Hire an Attorney Even if You Think You Are Guilty
According to statistics from the Crime in California Report, there were 853,576 total arrests by law enforcement across the state in 2020. If you've been arrested or indicted for a crime, navigating the criminal justice system without experienced guidance is never advisable. Even if you think you are guilty of the offense, here are some reasons to retain legal counsel:
Get Advice Regarding Your Legal Options: A lawyer can fully educate you about the severity of the allegations against you, the potential penalties and consequences, and explore your possible legal defenses.
Challenge Prosecutor's Evidence: During the court trial, the state prosecutor has to present evidence showing that you're guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Your attorney can help challenge the prosecutor's evidence, dispute the allegations, highlight inconsistencies in the case, attempt to negotiate a favorable result, or have your charges dismissed.
Negotiate a Plea Deal: Also, an attorney can use their in-depth negotiation skills to help you seek a favorable plea bargain and achieve the best possible outcome in your case.
Alternatives to Jail: A lawyer can explore your alternatives to incarceration. Alternative programs can encourage reform and help you avoid institutionalization and the adverse implications of a jail or prison experience.
Ensure the Punishment Fits the Crime: A lawyer can ensure that you only receive a punishment that fits the offense committed and nothing extreme. Also, your attorney can help appeal to the judge for a reduced punishment.
While there are numerous benefits of hiring an attorney to help fight your charges, establishing honest and open communication with your legal counsel remains crucial to achieving the best available outcome for your unique situation.
Communicating with Your Defense Attorney
Fostering a positive attorney-client relationship is crucial to achieving a favorable outcome in your legal battle. Below are some tips for communicating with your criminal defense lawyer:
Narrate your personal account of the events to your lawyer in chronological order.
Provide your attorney with as many details and information as possible.
Remain calm and rational.
Do not hide or leave out even the slightest details.
Answer questions truthfully. Your attorney will guide you regarding what – and want not – to say.
Make sure your defense attorney is updated and well-informed about the entire situation.
Above all, your readiness to communicate openly and effectively with your defense lawyer can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
Reach out to an Experienced Attorney
Facing criminal charges can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. Trying to defend yourself against your allegations without experienced representation can expose you to the risks of suffering the maximum penalties. Therefore, if you have recently been arrested and charged with a crime — even if you think you are guilty — you need to reach out to a highly-skilled criminal defense attorney right away for proper guidance and to build your defense.
At McCready Law Group, I'm committed to offering comprehensive legal guidance and reliable representation to clients in their criminal cases. As your attorney, I will investigate all of the surrounding facts of your case and craft an effective defense strategy to pursue the best available outcome. Using my in-depth legal understanding, I can help you navigate the California criminal justice system and protect you against the worst possible scenario. I will fight vigorously to defend your rights, help negotiate a favorable plea bargain, or attempt to have the charges reduced or dropped completely.
Never accept a guilty plea without a fight. Contact my firm – McCready Law Group – to schedule a simple case assessment with a skilled criminal defense lawyer. I can offer you the detailed legal counsel, reliable advocacy, and dedicated representation you need to fight your charges. My firm proudly serves clients across Long Beach, Cypress Hill, and Lakewood, California.