Should I Still Hire an Attorney if I Think I'm Guilty?
According to the statistics from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, there were 91,934 total criminal arrests in Pennsylvania in 2019. The consequences of a criminal conviction can be devastating and should never be underestimated. Depending on the severity of the offense committed, a criminal charge can have a significant impact on your personal reputation, quality of life, professional opportunities, and overall future. Even if you believe you're guilty of the charges or there's evidence that you committed the crime, you should still retain a highly-skilled Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney to help fight your charges and ensure that you get fair treatment.
At Marc V. Taiani, Esquire and Allegheny Attorneys at Law, P.C., I have devoted my career to providing comprehensive legal guidance and reliable representation to individuals in their criminal cases. As your legal counsel, I can investigate all of the facts of your situation and outline a defense strategy in pursuit of the best available outcome. Using my in-depth legal understanding, I can challenge the prosecutor's evidence against you and help you attempt to negotiate a favorable result. My firm proudly serves clients across Pittsburgh, Shaler Township, Fox Chapel, Penn Hills, and Aspinwall, Pennsylvania.
Possible Consequences of a Guilty Plea
Pleading guilty is the process through which a defendant admits to committing a crime with the expectation of getting some consideration from the state. If you plead guilty, the Pennsylvania court decides what happens next. Here are some consequences of a guilty plea:
Serving time in incarceration
Fines
Suspension or loss of a driver's license
Probation
Employment consequences
Loss of a professional license
Inability to carry a firearm
Deportation
Loss of visitation or custody of minor children
Damage to personal and familial relationships
By submitting a guilty plea, you automatically waive your right to a jury trial and other constitutional protections. Therefore, hiring a skilled lawyer is crucial to avoid any of the immediate and life-long consequences of a guilty plea or criminal conviction.
Reasons to Hire an Attorney — Even if You Think You are Guilty
Navigating the criminal justice system or going to court alone is never a good idea. Here are some reasons to hire a lawyer even if you believe you are guilty of the crime:
Advice About Your Options: An attorney can fully enlighten you about the nature of the charges against you, the possible penalties and consequences, and help you understand your available legal options.
Burden of Proof: When facing criminal charges, the prosecutor must present evidence that proves you're guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Conversely, an attorney can challenge the prosecutor's evidence against you, point out inconsistencies in the case, and attempt to have the charges reduced or ultimately dismissed.
Negotiate a Plea Deal: Using their extensive negotiation acumen, an attorney can seek to negotiate a favorable plea bargain and resolve your case favorably.
Alternatives to Jail: Alternative sentencing serves as a substitute to imprisonment in county jail or state prison. An attorney can explore your alternative sentencing options that will encourage reform and mitigate the negative effect of jail or prison experience.
Make Sure the Punishment Fits the Crime: An attorney can also seek to reduce the penalties for the offense or ensure that you're only punished for the crime committed and nothing more.
If you or someone you know has recently been charged with a crime, it is definitely important that you contact an aggressive criminal defense attorney immediately. Communicating openly with your attorney can help you achieve the best possible outcome in your legal battle.
Communicating with Your Defense Attorney
Here are some tips for communicating with your criminal defense attorney:
Tell your personal account of the events in chronological order.
Provide as many details as possible.
Ensure that you do not leave out any slight details.
Remain calm and rational.
Always answer questions truthfully. The attorney will guide you as to what they want to know.
Keep your defense attorney updated and informed.
When communicating with your criminal defense attorney, the goal is to foster a positive attorney-client relationship. Your willingness to communicate effectively with your defense lawyer can have a significant impact on your representation and the outcome of your case.
Don't Gamble with Your Future: Hire an Experienced Attorney
The burden of a criminal allegation can be a heavy one to bear. Regardless of your situation, defending yourself against your charges without experienced representation or navigating the criminal justice system alone is never advisable. When facing criminal charges — even if you think you are guilty — hiring a highly skilled and aggressive criminal defense attorney is crucial to defend your legal rights and protect you against the worst-case scenario.
At Marc V. Taiani, Esquire and Allegheny Attorneys at Law, P.C., I have the expertise, skill, and resources to assist individuals who are facing criminal charges. Using my extensive experience, I can help you navigate the Pennsylvania criminal justice system and represent you at every stage of the legal proceedings.
I will fight vigorously to protect your best interests, challenge the accusations against you, and point out any inconsistencies in the prosecutor's case. I will attempt to have the charges reduced, help negotiate a favorable plea deal, or even attempt to have your case dismissed. Having me on your side can make a difference in your criminal case.
Don't gamble with your future. Contact my firm — Marc V. Taiani, Esquire and Allegheny Attorneys at Law, P.C. — today to schedule a consultation. I can offer you the knowledgeable legal counsel and aggressive representation you need. I proudly serve clients across Pittsburgh, Shaler Township, Fox Chapel, Penn Hills, and Aspinwall, Pennsylvania.