When you plead guilty to a crime, you give up a number of rights, including the right to a trial by jury and the right to present or cross-examine any witnesses. Before you plead guilty, you should consult an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Arraignment Hearing
In Georgia criminal cases, you will be asked to enter a plea at the arraignment hearing. Typically, you will enter one of three pleas: guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
If you plead guilty at the arraignment without first consulting a defense attorney, you may lose out on the chance to negotiate a plea deal.
Negotiating a Plea Deal
Depending on the circumstances of your case, your defense attorney may be able to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor. Generally, a plea deal means that you will plead guilty in exchange for the prosecutor reducing the charges or penalties associated with the offense.
Waiving Your Rights
Before accepting your guilty plea, the judge in your case must accept the terms of the deal. The judge will also ask you questions to ensure that you understand the rights that you are waiving by pleading guilty. These rights include:
– The right to an attorney if you do not already have one
– The right to a jury trial
– The right to cross-examine your accusers
More about Guilty Pleas in Chatham County
To learn more about plea deals in Savannah and Chatham County or to schedule a free case consultation, contact the attorneys of The Turner Firm today.