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?
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* The DA will usually offer a reduced charge or sentence in exchange for a guilty plea. Knowing you will get a 7 years sentence rather than roll the dice on a 5-15 year sentence is a win.
* Even without an offer, pleading guilty creates goodwill that prosecutors and judges often recognize. Conversely, they get annoyed at having to prosecute clearly guilty people, especially when they reject reasonable plea bargains.
* A trial means there will almost certainly be an additional investigation that could uncover additional crimes, including those committed by your friends and family.
* A trial makes all the potentially embarrassing details of your crime a matter of public records. If you take a plea, you can tell people whatever story you want, especially if you plead no contest.
* Lawyers are expensive, and you might be stuck in jail during the trial. Pleading guilty on a charge you almost certainly will be convicted of saves money and starts the clock on your sentence sooner.
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