Being charged with a crime can change your life in an instant. But more importantly, the decisions that you make after being charged with a crime could affect the rest of your life. Here are some of the decisions that defendants will have to make in a criminal case:
Plea Bargains
It’s estimated that between 90-95% of all cases are resolved through a plea bargain, so it’s very likely that a deal will be offered to you at some point. Deciding whether or not to take the deal is one of the many decisions you will need to make in your case. Taking a plea deal means pleading guilty, accepting the consequences, and living with a conviction on your record. But, it also means a shorter criminal case, which leads to fewer legal fees, and lighter consequences.
Choosing An Attorney
Hiring the right criminal defense attorney could make or break your case. Experienced attorneys may be able to negotiate better plea deals, secure your release from custody, and poke holes in the prosecution’s case in the courtroom. Do your research before hiring an attorney so you can find one who has had success representing clients in cases similar to yours.
Taking the Stand
Defendants do not have to take the stand and testify if the case goes to trial, but they can if they believe it will help their case. This is another important decision that could have a significant effect on your future. It’s impossible to predict how the jury will respond to you as a witness or how well you will hold up during cross-examination. Don’t make this decision without going over the pros and cons of taking the stand with your attorney.
Appealing the Verdict
Defendants who are found guilty at trial may be able to appeal the verdict if they believe that mistakes were made during the trial that affected the outcome. For example, if it is discovered that one of the jury members was secretly talking to a witness about the case, the jury member’s vote could have been affected by these private conversations. As a result, the court may find that this is grounds for an appeal.
Deciding whether or not to appeal can be challenging. Appeals can be time-consuming and expensive, so defendants have to decide whether they should accept the verdict or take another chance.
Have you been charged with a crime? If so, get in touch with Reisch Law Firm today. You will need to discuss these important decisions with an experienced criminal defense attorney so you can make the best choices for your future. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 303-291-0555 or filling out this online form.
