Criminal Defense Lawyer Grand Rapids, MI

In the state of Michigan, crimes are categorized as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the nature and severity of the offense. Felonies are the more serious of the two and tend to carry heavier penalties. If you have been arrested for a felony, you could be facing life-altering consequences, including imprisonment. You cannot afford to go without legal representation from the felony defense lawyers Grand Rapids MI trusts at Blanchard Law.

Considerations to Think About Before You Plead Guilty to a Felony

Some people who are charged with a crime choose to fight their case at trial. Others will decide to plead guilty to their charges. For some defendants it makes sense to plead guilty; such as when a felony defense lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI secures a favorable plea deal with the prosecutor. That being said, this is not always available, and there are often various decisions to consider. Before you choose to plead guilty, you should consult one of our experienced felony defense lawyers Grand Rapids, MI has to offer from Blanchard Law. 

Considerations to Think About Before You Plead Guilty

It is Your Right to Talk with a Criminal Felony Defense Lawyer

Under the Sixth Amendment, you have the right to a criminal defense lawyer. In general prosecutors will not negotiate with defendants directly. Therefore, if you do not have representation, you may face harsher penalties. 

Reversing a Guilty Plea Is Very Difficult

Once you admit guilt to a criminal charge, there are just a few circumstances in which you can withdraw your guilty plea. You cannot change your mind and opt to go to trial. Rather, to withdraw the plea, legal standards must be met. There are limited scenarios that will allow you to do this, and usually, one of the best felony defense lawyers in Grand Rapids, MI is needed. 

You Will Have a Public Record

Pleading guilty to any crime results in a criminal conviction. Your plea and sentence will be accessible on a criminal record, and visible to anyone who performs a background check on you. This may affect your employment, housing opportunities, child custody, professional license, and more. 

You Can’t Fight a Wrongful Charge

Depending on your case, when a lawyer presents the right defense, it can result in a reduction in charges, a complete dismissal of your case, or an acquittal at trial. Should you opt to plead guilty, you cannot ask the prosecutor to dismiss or acquit your case. You may also lose your right to appeal a case. By having one of our felony defense lawyers in Grand Rapids, MI on your side, all possible defenses can be reviewed. 

You Might Not Understand the Sentence

When a criminal defense lawyer negotiates a deal with the prosecutor, it will usually lead to a reduced sentence – at the minimum. Only a prosecutor can recommend this. It will be up to the judge to make a final decision. If you believe the judge will order a harsher sentence than what a plea deal includes, you may want to reconsider pleading guilty. A lawyer can explain what the deal includes, and whether or not your case might be dismissed. 

Call An Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer Now

Making the decision to plead guilty is something that should not be taken lightly. It is prudent that all possibilities are considered so you understand what to expect, as well as any implications that might come with a guilty plea.  Blanchard Law works closely with every client to help them know what the outcome of their case may be. For a consultation with one of our knowledgeable felony defense lawyers in Grand Rapids, Michigan, please call Blanchard Law.