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Should I Still Hire an Attorney if I Think I'm Guilty?

Alec Rose Law Office March 14, 2022

Criminal with his lawyerAccording to the statistics from the Crime in California Report, there were about 853,576 arrests for various felony and misdemeanor offenses statewide in 2020. In California, a person could be arrested for committing an offense or violating a law. Unfortunately, such an arrest could result in a criminal charge, and the consequences could be devastating.

Being arrested and charged with a crime in California can be frightening and overwhelming. If convicted, you could suffer devastating punishment and life-long consequences. Therefore, even if there's evidence against you or you believe that you're guilty of the charges, you must hire a skilled California criminal defense attorney to examine your charges and help you avoid the worst-case scenario.

At the Alec Rose Law Office, I'm dedicated to offering comprehensive legal guidance and vigorous representation to clients facing criminal charges. As your attorney, I can evaluate and investigate all of the facts of your case thoroughly and enlighten you about the consequences of a guilty plea. Also, I will craft an effective defense strategy to help fight your charges and pursue the best possible outcome for your unique circumstances. My firm is proud to represent clients throughout Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Westminster, Orange, Ventura, and Santa Ana, California.

Possible Consequences of a Guilty Plea

In the state of California, an offender who submits a guilty plea is admitting that they committed the crime and, in return, expects some consideration or leniency from the state. Essentially, pleading guilty automatically waives your right to a jury trial. The California court will determine your punishment and what happens next from here on. Below are some potential consequences of a guilty plea:

  • Incarceration in state prison or county jail

  • Hefty fines

  • Community service

  • Probation

  • Employment consequences

  • Difficulties in obtaining certain loans

  • Inability to possess, own, or carry a firearm or gun

  • Suspension or loss of a driver's license

  • Loss of parenting privilege, child custody, or visitation rights

  • Difficulties in securing employment, housing, and public benefits

  • Deportation or inadmissibility into the United States

  • Loss of a professional license

  • Damage to personal, professional, and familial relationships

Conversely, if you plead not guilty, your case will have to proceed to trial. During the trial, the prosecutor must prove allegations beyond a reasonable doubt to find you guilty. Therefore, before you enter or accept a plea of guilty, it is advisable that you consult with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney for detailed guidance and to determine the best course of action.

Reasons to Hire an Attorney Even if You Think You Are Guilty

Defending your criminal charges in California without experienced representation is never advisable. If you've been arrested and charged with a crime, even if you think you're guilty, here are some reasons why you should hire a defense attorney:

Explore Your Legal Options: A defense attorney can fully explain the severity of your allegations, the possible penalties and ramifications, and enlighten you about your available legal defenses.

Challenge Prosecutor's Evidence: The state prosecutor will be required to present evidence that proves that you're guilty during the court trial. Your defense lawyer can help evaluate and challenge the prosecutor's evidence, highlight inconsistencies and weaknesses in the case, and refute the charges with substantial facts and evidence. Also, your attorney can help negotiate a favorable outcome or get the prosecutor to drop or dismiss the charges.

Negotiate a Plea Deal: A lawyer can use their extensive experience and adept negotiation expertise to help you seek a favorable plea deal and achieve the best available outcome for your unique situation.

Ensure The Punishment Fits the Crime: A defense attorney can make sure that you only get the appropriate punishment for your crime and nothing over the top. Likewise, your lawyer can attempt to negotiate an agreement with the judge for a lighter sentence or reduced charges.

Alternatives to Jail: An attorney can explore your alternatives to going to prison or jail. These alternative sentencing options and programs can encourage reform and mitigate the negative consequences of jail or prison on your physical and mental health.

Hiring a defense lawyer to help fight your charges has several benefits. However, you must establish honest and open communication with your legal counsel to achieve the most favorable outcome possible.

Communicating with Your Defense Attorney

Below are some insightful tips for communicating better with your criminal defense lawyer:

  • Try as much as possible to stay calm and rational.

  • Narrate your personal account of the incident to your attorney in chronological order.

  • Provide your legal counsel with as much information and details as possible.

  • Never attempt to hide or leave out any slight details from your attorney.

  • Answer questions as truthfully as possible. Your lawyer is in the best position to guide you on what – and want not – to say.

  • Keep your defense lawyer well-informed and up-to-date about the whole situation.

Fostering a positive attorney-client relationship is a huge step towards achieving a favorable outcome in your criminal case. A skilled attorney can determine the best defenses for your unique situation and help you avoid the immediate and life-long implications of a guilty plea or criminal conviction.

How a Knowledgeable Attorney Can Help

A criminal conviction in California could jeopardize your personal reputation, quality of life, freedom, professional opportunities, and entire future. Nonetheless, it is never advisable to defend yourself or navigate the criminal justice system without proper guidance. Therefore, when facing criminal charges — even if you think you are guilty or there is evidence against you — retaining an aggressive criminal defense attorney is crucial to help strategize your defense.

At the Alec Rose Law Office, I have the expertise, diligence, and resources to represent and defend clients in their criminal cases. As your legal counsel, I will attempt to investigate every aspect of your case and determine the best defenses to help fight your charges. Using my extensive knowledge, I can help you navigate the California criminal justice system and help ensure fair treatment at every phase of the legal process.

Contact my firm – the Law Office of Alec Rose PC – today to schedule a simple case evaluation with a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer. My firm is proud to represent clients throughout Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Westminster, Orange, Ventura, and Santa Ana, California.