Should I accept a Plea Offer Without A Lawyer?

Here is a common scenario: Someone charged with a crime goes to court for their arraignment, and they meet with a prosecutor who offers them a plea deal to resolve the case. The person may want to take the deal because they want the matter resolved as soon as possible. I caution people against accepting a plea deal without speaking to an experienced defense lawyer first.

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Here are a couple of reasons why I recommend people always speak with a defense attorney before taking a plea offer:

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A defense attorney can tell you if the offer you are being offered is the best plea possible. 

• A good defense lawyer will know what the best plea offer will be in your case. This is because a good, experienced defense lawyer will know the court where you are charged.

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• Additionally, a good defense lawyer will know prosecutors, know what types of offers they make, and will be able to tell you if you are getting the best deal possible. For example, one court may have a mandatory minimum for one type of offense, while a different court may not; a good defense lawyer will know the difference between the two courts and will be able to advise you accordingly.

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• After you speak to an experienced defense attorney, you will better understand the likely plea in your matter. You will also know what is impossible as far as possible sentences go. 

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A defense attorney can tell you if there are any problems with the state’s case against you and if there are any excellent defenses. 

• A well-experienced defense attorney will look at the police report in your case and see if there are issues to be raised. If there are issues, they may be submitted to the prosecutor for a better plea or presented at trial to fight the case. 

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• Here is one example: Suppose the officer in the case illegally did not get a required warrant, or maybe a part of your DUI investigation went against protocol. If you look at your police report, you will likely not see any potential issues since most defense lawyers are inexperienced. 

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If you need help hiring a quality defense lawyer, it is still a good idea to speak to one to see if they can work with you on cost and a financial agreement. A good defense lawyer will not be cheap, but that doesn’t mean they can’t work with you on price. If you choose to work with our firm, you will always have direct access to your attorney and will be working with one of the most knowledgeable criminal attorneys in Arizona.

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Our firm serves the areas of Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe, Chandler and other areas around Arizona. If you or a loved one are considering accepting a plea deal in Arizona, please contact us today to schedule your free consultation.