Crimes happen all of the time. Many people are concerned about the victims in these incidents, but there are other people involved who are forgotten about. The alleged offenders are often presumed to be guilty of their alleged offenses. It’s the job of a Criminal Defense Attorney in Mount Vernon, WA to make sure the victim is seen about, and that they get fair treatment. Let’s take a look at the job of a defense attorney and the steps they may take to help the defendant get the least amount of punishment possible.
In order for you defending attorney to help you they’re going to need information about the incident. Nearly all attorneys would prefer to hear the entire side of the defendant’s story. Although many defendants might be apprehensive about telling this information, it can help your Criminal Defense Attorney in Mount Vernon, WA form a proper defense. You and your attorney will go back and forth discussing the case and what options on the table might be more practical.
Do you plan on pleading guilty, not guilty, or no contest? All three of these options have advantages and consequences that both the defendant and the defense attorney should consider. If you know that you’re guilty, and that you’ll be found guilty, you might want to consider entering a guilty or no contest plea. A guilty plea obviously means that you’re guilty, and that you accept and acknowledge the fact that you committed the crime you’re being accused of. A plea of no contest will carry the same punishment as a plea of guilty. However, a no contest plea neither confirms nor denies that you’re guilty. Pleading no contest may also help you in future proceedings involving the same case.
If you decide to plead not guilty, you’re saying that you won’t accept guilt for the charges you’re accused of, and that you’d like to fight the accusations made against you. Fighting your charges can lead to two probable outcomes: The first is that you’re found innocent and escape any possible punishment. However, the second outcome is that you’re found guilty. If your case goes to trial, and you’re found guilty, you’ll likely receive the harshest punishment possible. Talk with attorneys at the Howson Law Office to see which option is best for you.
