If you are facing a criminal charge, your kneejerk reaction may be to put the matter behind you as quickly as possible, and no one can blame you. Generally, however, this means accepting a plea deal that may strike you as a real improvement in the moment but can drag you down moving forward. You are in a difficult position, but considering the big picture, which includes your future and your social standing, is key. An experienced McGregor criminal defense attorney at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard is well-positioned to help.

The Charge against You

To begin, it is important to establish that every criminal charge is a serious charge that can have lasting consequences. While Texas does divide crimes into progressively more serious categories, these begin with serious charges and evolve into far more serious charges. The breakdown includes misdemeanors, state jail felonies, and felonies.

While you can be charged with any crime on the books, some of the most common charges in McGregor include the following:

• Juvenile crimes
• Theft charges
• Assault charges
• Burglary charges 
• DWI offenses
• Drug charges
• Gun charges

From Arrest to Resolution in McGregor, Texas

Your journey through the criminal justice system in Texas is likely to begin with an arrest. And if the charge against you is not dropped altogether, you can expect your case to march forward toward either a plea deal or a verdict at trial.

Most cases in Texas and the nation at large are resolved with plea deals. This generally amounts to admitting guilt but to a lesser charge with less harsh fines and penalties as a result. Sometimes, this is an advantageous outcome, and sometimes, it is not. It all depends on the unique circumstances of your case. 

The Strength of the State’s Case vs. the Strength of Your Defense

The stronger your defense, the less beneficial a plea deal is likely to be. If your defense is solid and will be difficult for the prosecution to effectively deny, taking a plea deal may not be much of a deal at all. 

For example, if you have a tight alibi with a credible witness backing you up, you may be in a position to have the case against you dropped. If not, however, taking your case to trial might be the best option.

Striking a Legal Balance that Works for You 

Responding to criminal charges comes down to a balancing act in which all the following must be considered:

• The strength of your defense in relation to the strength of the case against you
• The strength of the available evidence on both sides, including anything that the state or the police may be holding on to
• The credibility of the witnesses and the impact of their testimony
• The amount of stress you can handle regarding the unpredictability of going to trial 

You will also need to carefully consider everything that is at stake. This means that, if the deal being offered is such an improvement over the consequences of a conviction, the downside of admitting guilt by accepting a deal may be worth it to you. 

Understanding What a Plea Deal Will Mean for You 

There are instances when accepting a plea deal is absolutely the best path forward, but this is by no means always the case. You will need to carefully consider your case from every angle with the trusted legal guidance of your diligent criminal defense attorney guiding you.

The bottom line is that a plea deal – no matter how generous – translates to an admission of guilt. And that comes with harsh social consequences. 

How Social Consequences Can Impact Your Future

When you take a plea deal or are otherwise found guilty, it goes on your criminal record, which is a matter of public information. As a result, harsh social consequences like the following can haunt your future:

• Your reputation can be permanently tarnished.
• Finding a new job can be that much more challenging, and your current job could be affected. 
• Any professional licensure you hold can be lost or diminished.
• You may have a difficult time renting a place to live, and you may not be eligible for a home loan.
• Your opportunities to further your education could be greatly reduced.
• If the charge was a felony, you will lose your right to possess a firearm.

Turn to the Professional Legal Counsel of an Experienced McGregor Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard is a well-respected criminal defense attorney who has been proudly serving McGregor, Texas, for more than two decades. Mr. Pritchard is well-equipped to skillfully fight for an optimal case outcome on your behalf. And we encourage you to reach out by contacting or calling us at (254) 220-4225 for more information today.