Being arrested and charged with a crime in Texas places a lot at stake, including the freedom of the accused individual. A guilty verdict can change a person’s life from that point onward. A prison sentence could result, which could cause a loss of a job, and such situations often spark marital problems and financial distress as well. However, not everyone charged with a crime gets convicted, as made evident in a recent not guilty verdict.
A 33-year-old man was accused of aggravated robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and murder. At the time, he entered a not guilty plea. The charges were filed in connection with a homicide that occurred in 2020. He has since been acquitted by a jury.
Is it ever wise to plead guilty instead of going to trial?
In some cases, a defendant might determine it best to plead guilty before trial in exchange for reduced charges and/or a more favorable prison sentence. This is known as a plea bargain. A person without a legal background might not know whether a deal that is being offered is to his or her benefit or whether it is best to plead not guilty. It is important to seek guidance and recommendations from an experienced criminal defense attorney.
An attorney always has a client’s best interests in mind and can provide legal support throughout proceedings, from recommending a plea to challenging evidence offered by the prosecution. If a conviction is handed down, an attorney may be able to convince the court to issue a lighter sentence than the term requested by the prosecution. In most cases, having an attorney by one’s side increases the chances of obtaining a positive outcome in court when facing criminal charges in Texas.