If law enforcement charges you with the crime of theft, you will face a number of choices, including whether to enter a guilty plea and avoid trial. You may think that pleading guilty to theft is the quickest and easiest way to resolve your case, but it can actually open up severe consequences that can hinder you in your life for many years to come. There are several reasons why you should never plead to theft in San Antonio.
1. A criminal record will follow you everywhere
Once you plead guilty to theft in San Antonio, you will have a criminal record. This can cause a great deal of hardship for you in terms of your current working life and even in finding a job or getting an apartment in the future. Criminal background checks take place for a wide variety of reasons, and once you have a criminal record for a guilty plea to theft, you will have a record. In addition, conviction records are public information under Texas law, which means the courts can make the information available to the general public.
2. Pleading guilty is not the only option
You may be under the impression that pleading guilty is your only option, but the truth is that it is not. When you face criminal charges, the issue goes beyond basic guilt or innocence and extends further into the territory of how you can minimize your exposure to the harshest criminal penalties. If you plead guilty, you automatically assume all the responsibility of this choice, without giving yourself a chance for a strategic and well-crafted defense.
3. Details and factors of your case need attention
Pleading guilty to theft does not allow for the court to examine specific details and factors that apply to your case. Perhaps police violated your rights when they obtained the evidence, or there is a possibility to contest the evidence. A guilty plea does not allow you the benefit of these defenses, which could help you to mitigate the penalties or even obtain an acquittal. It is better to explore your options for defense rather than simply plead guilty.
