A criminal defense lawyer in Martinsburg, WV uses a large number of strategies depending on the type of case, the amount of incriminating evidence, and how the client wishes to proceed. Plea bargains are common because they allow the defendant to avoid trial and to face reduced charges or a lesser sentence than would probably otherwise be issued. Innocent people sometimes plead guilty because of the advantages of plea bargaining, but the tactic is especially useful for defendants with a certain level of guilt.
Lesser Charges
For example, a criminal defense lawyer in Martinsburg, WV may be representing a client charged with armed robbery. Perhaps this person was not caught in the act, but witnesses made an identification. A cashier at a convenience store may even have recognized this person as a regular customer in disguise. The defendant may want to plead not guilty, but confessing to simple robbery without a weapon will result in a lesser charge. This may be possible if there is no surveillance evidence of a gun or knife. This may help the person avoid jail time altogether.
Understanding Motivation
People are often bewildered as to why an innocent person would accept a plea deal. They can’t imagine ever doing such a thing. They may stop believing that this man or woman is indeed innocent. However, they must understand how scary and intense a situation this is. The defendant may be facing a substantial risk of having to go to prison for several years. The offer of no jail time or perhaps a sentence of only one year or less feels like a life rope.
Refraining from Confessing During Interrogation
It is crucial that a person being questioned as a suspect not confess during interrogation. People sometimes do so because they are frightened or exhausted after hours of questioning. They may have started out wanting to be cooperative, including not calling a lawyer, but this often works against a defendant. A better action is to call an organization such as Sherman Law Firm for assistance and to stop answering questions from law enforcement. Visit website domain to learn about this particular firm.
