How does this work in court? Pleading guilty to a case guarantees a sentence. Whereas not guilty allows you a chance to defend yourself. Doesn’t seem like most defendants would plead guilty. Why is this even a thing?
In: Other
most guilty pleas are the result of negotiations with the prosecutor for a specific lesser sentence than a guilty defendant would receive at trial.
Because going to trial can result in harsher sentences.
Let’s say you comitted a robbery, they have you dead to rights. Video evidence and everything.
Do you go to trial and risk 25+ years, or do you plead guilty and take 10?
Pleading guilty often comes with a reduced sentence compared to what you would get if found guilty at trial. Most cases end in a plea deal. Very few go to trial.
If the court has alot of evidence & you know you won’t get off, enter a Guilty plea & they may show leniency.
If there is little evidence plead not guilty and take your chances on your lawyer fighting your corner.
Depends massively on the crime also of course.
If you think you have little to no chance of winning the trial, you can make a deal to get a reduced sentence in exchange for pleading guilty.