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Top 5 Reasons You Shouldn't Take A Plea Deal

Jul 21, 2022

Top 5 Reasons You Shouldn't Take A Plea Deal

When you are arrested and charged with a crime, the prosecutor may offer you a plea deal. This is an agreement between you and the prosecutor in which you plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for having other charges dropped. While it may seem like a good idea at first, there are several reasons why you should not take a plea deal. In this blog post, we will discuss the top 5 reasons why plea deals are not always in your best interest.

What is a plea deal and how does it work?

A plea deal is an agreement between a defendant and a prosecutor in which the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for having other charges dropped. The prosecutor may offer you a plea deal if they believe that there is enough evidence to convict you of the crime, but they are willing to let you plead guilty to a lesser charge in order to avoid going to trial.

Is it best to plead guilty or no contest?

There are three options when pleading to a criminal charge: guilty, no contest, or not guilty.


  1. Pleading guilty means that you agree with the charges and accept the consequences.
  2. Pleading no contest means that you do not agree with the charges but are willing to accept the consequences.
  3. Pleading not guilty means that you do not agree with the charges and are willing to go to trial to prove your innocence.


You must know that a guilty plea will result in a conviction. A no contest plea will also result in a conviction, but it cannot be used against you in civil court. If you plead not guilty and go to trial, you may be found guilty or not guilty.


You might be interested: What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Federal Crime: A Guide

What are the consequences of pleading guilty?

While plea deals can be tempting, there are several reasons why they may not be in your best interest. Even if you win at trial, you will still have incurred the costs of mounting a defense. Given all of these factors, it is important to speak with an attorney before deciding whether or not to accept a plea deal.


There are several reasons why you should not take a plea deal, even if it seems like a good idea at first. Let's take a look at the top five reasons:

Plea deals can result in a longer sentence.

Even if you plead guilty to a lesser charge, you may still be sentenced to jail time. The sentence will depend on the severity of the crime and your criminal history. A plea bargain is an agreement between you and the prosecutor in which you plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for having other charges dropped. The prosecutor may offer you a plea deal if they believe that there is enough evidence to convict you of the crime, but they are willing to let you plead guilty to a lesser charge in order to avoid going to trial.

Sometimes, the sentence for the plea deal is actually longer than the sentence you would have received if you had gone to trial and been found guilty of the original charge.


Usually, the plea deal will not be the best deal you could have gotten.


Also read: What to Do in Case of a Criminal Arrest: A Comprehensive Guide

You could be pleading guilty to a crime you didn't commit.

When you plead guilty, you are admitting that you committed the crime. This means that even if you are innocent, you could be pleading guilty to a crime you didn't commit. In some cases, plea deals can also limit your options for a sentence reduction or early release from prison.


For example, in case of a DUI conviction, you may have to install an ignition interlock device in your car, attend alcohol education classes, or perform community service. Even worse, you could be facing jail time. If you go to trial and are found not guilty, you will not have to do any of these things.


For DUI or DWI cases, talking to an experienced DUI lawyer is a must before you decide whether or not to take a plea deal. A DUI defense lawyer will be able to tell you what plea deal, if any, the prosecutor is likely to offer you and whether or not it is in your best interest to take it.

The plea deal could be used against you in future cases.

If you plead guilty to a crime, that plea could be used against you in future cases. This is especially true if you are pleading guilty to a violent crime.

For example, if you are charged with assault and take a plea deal, that plea could be used against you if you are charged with assault again in the future.


In case of a civil lawsuit, the plea could be used against you and there is no way to take it back. A plea deal is a way to avoid going to trial, but it also means that you are giving up your right to a trial. This means that you will not be able to present your side of the story or call witnesses.


When you take a plea deal, you are giving up your right to a trial and all of the protections that come with it. A not guilty plea gives you the chance to tell your side of the story and prove your innocence.


Plea deals can have a lasting impact on your life, even after you have served your sentence.

Pleading guilty means you have a criminal record.

A plea deal can result in a criminal record, which can make it difficult to find a job, housing, or get a professional license. Contest pleas and plea withdrawals are not typically available in plea deals, so once you plead guilty, you will likely be stuck with that conviction.


Also, when it comes to a criminal case or a DUI charge, the plea deal will go on your criminal record. Remember that a plea deal is an agreement between you and the prosecutor, so if you do not hold up your end of the bargain, the prosecutor can come after you.


For this reason, it is important to speak with criminal defense lawyers before deciding whether or not to take a plea deal. A criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the plea deal and what it means for your future.

You would have future consequences if you take a plea deal.

If you are considering taking a plea deal, it is important to understand that there could be future consequences. A plea deal can have a lasting impact on your life, even after you have served your sentence.

Even when it seems like the right choice, a plea deal is a serious decision that should not be made lightly. You should always speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer before deciding whether or not to take a plea deal.


Admitting guilt to a crime can make it difficult to find a job, housing, or get a professional license, since you will have a criminal record. Pleading guilty also means that you are giving up your right to a trial and all of the protections that come with it. This means that you will not be able to present your side of the story or call witnesses.

What are my options if I don't want to take a plea deal?

If you don't want to take a plea deal, you have the option of going to trial. This means that you will have the chance to tell your side of the story and present evidence in your defense. However, it is important to understand that going to trial also comes with risks. There are risks associated with plea deals and going to trial, so it is important to understand all of your options before making a decision.


At a jury trial, the evidence will be presented by both the prosecution and the defense and a decision will be made about your guilt or innocence. This is different from a plea deal, where you are essentially pleading guilty to the crime and you avoid this whole process.


When you go to trial, you also have the opportunity to present your side of the story and call witnesses who can testify on your behalf. This is a riskier option, because if you are convicted at trial, you could be facing a harsher sentence than if you had taken a plea deal. You also will not have the opportunity to negotiate a plea deal if you go to trial, so it is important to discuss your options with an experienced criminal defense lawyer before making a decision.


So what is the best decision?


It depends on your individual case and situation. This is why you should always speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer to discuss your options and decide what is best for you.


Whether or not to take a plea deal is a big decision that should not be made lightly. There are risks and consequences associated with both taking a plea deal and going to trial. Be sure to discuss your options with an experienced criminal defense lawyer before making a decision.

Speak with a criminal defense lawyer before deciding to take a plea deal.

Plea deals are not always in your best interest, even if they seem like a good idea at the time.


If you are facing charges, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can review your case and help you decide whether or not a plea deal is in your best interest. The decisions you make now could have a lasting impact on your life, so you want to make sure that you are fully informed before making any decisions.


If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, contact the Law Office of Rolando Cantu at (956)-267-9898 and get a free no obligation consultation. We can help you understand your rights and options, and we will fight to get you the best possible outcome in your case, while offering an excellent attorney client relationship. Rolando Cantu is a former Federal Prosecutor, he has the experience and knowledge you need to protect your rights. From DUI cases and prior alcohol related offenses to serious felonies like drug trafficking, Rolando Cantu has successfully defended hundreds of clients. Contact us today for your free consultation!

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