This post concludes my series on what Phoenix, Arizona misdemeanor defendants should know in regards to accepting a plea agreement. My goal with this series has been to offer information which helps the accused to make a more informed decision as to whether they should enter a guilty plea. In this post I will recap the subjects I have addressed and then I will take a look at additional considerations.
I have looked at a number of topics over my last several articles. Subjects I have looked at include:
- The purpose and process of plea agreements in Phoenix misdemeanor cases
- Issues a defendant should consider before accepting a plea deal
- What to expect while serving probation, in Phoenix, after pleading guilty
- The ability to expunge one’s record after having completed the requirements of a plea agreement
An important point to take from these discussions is that one should not simply plead guilty out of a desire to “make their case go away quickly.” Defendants need to be honest with themselves, regarding their ability to succeed on probation. If one obligates themselves to requirements, which they are unable to meet, then they may end up incarcerated. Also, accepting a plea deal out a desire to simply end the case may result in one waiving legitimate defenses which would have led to an outright dismissal. Understanding the pros and cons of pleading guilty is crucial.
If you are charged with a misdemeanor then it is crucial that you discuss your situation with an attorney prior to pleading guilty. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can analyze the police reports and look at the facts of your situation. Counsel can then help you make an informed decision as to whether or not pleading guilty is in your best interests. A conviction can have serious consequences in regards to your future. Call an attorney immediately. In addition to Phoenix, I also represent Maricopa County defendants in Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Chandler, and Gilbert and Pima County residents in Tucson.
