Do you need a lawyer if you are innocent?

If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, call an attorney immediately. Innocent people are arrested all the time, and they are often convicted. To make sure that you are not convicted of a crime you did not commit, you need to have legal representation that will advocate effectively on your behalf.

What is it called when you don’t plead guilty or not guilty?

A nolo contendere plea means you won’t officially admit guilt. Most criminal cases end by plea bargain. In a typical case, the defendant pleads guilty—instead of going to trial—in exchange for something from the prosecution.

Is it better to plead not guilty or not guilty?

Really, the criminal justice system was designed for people to plead not guilty instead of guilty. If you’re actually innocent of the crime, a not guilty plea is your only way to get justice and avoid criminal charges. Meanwhile, some plea bargains will do very little to help you out.

Why do lawyers enter a not guilty plea when the client is?

The plea “not guilty” should be considered as really meaning: I have not been found guilty. On my lawyer’s advice I am entering a not-guilty plea in order to protect my rights under the laws of our state and the Constitution. My Lawyer will study the formal charges and police reports and conduct any investigation he deems necessary.

Do you have to plead guilty or no contest?

If you are charged with the violation of a crime, you must plead guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendre (no contest). Although you enter your initial plea long before the trial takes place, you can change it later.

Can a judge enter a provisional not guilty plea?

If you need time to retain counsel, a plea of not guilty would be entered for you temporarily until you had the time to hire an attorney. If you qualify to have an attorney appointed for you, the judge also will enter a provisional plea of not guilty for you if you want to talk to your attorney before you enter your final plea. 4