You have been charged with a crime and decided you will enter a guilty plea. You may think this means you do not have to hire an attorney for your case. However, this decision could lead to unforeseen consequences.

Having the counsel of a criminal defense lawyer when navigating the Delaware justice system can provide several benefits — even when you intend to enter a guilty plea. Here are three reasons you should consider hiring an attorney in this case.

1. Getting a More Favorable Deal

When you agree to plead guilty, you may be doing so as part of a plea bargain, where you make a deal with the prosecutor to plead in return for a particular sentence. If you have no law background, you could make a deal that is less favorable than what you deserve.

An experienced criminal attorney can help you negotiate the best deal when you intend to plead guilty. They have been through the process and know what constitutes a reasonable plea in cases similar to yours.

2. Making Sure Everything Is Done Correctly

If you have never entered a plea before or have no legal background, then you have no way of knowing if you’re following all the proper procedures. You may not know how to voice an objection if something happens that you didn’t expect or feel is unfair.

Having an attorney to look over even the simplest of documents can avoid such problems. They know what potential pitfalls to keep an eye on and how to address any issues.

3. Understanding the Potential Consequences of Your Plea

When you accept some conditions of a plea, such as probation or time-served, you will find they may have consequences you did not anticipate. For instance, if you plead guilty to a violent misdemeanor, you may not buy a firearm in Delaware. You should thoroughly comprehend the potential outcome of a guilty plea. Call us today to learn more.