People in Texas get arrested for all kinds of reasons. A teenager caught with a beer at a party could face allegations of possessing alcohol as a minor. An adult with a prescription drug might face prosecution if they don’t have a valid recommendation from their doctor. Violent interactions, mistakes while driving and shoplifting can also all lead to criminal charges.
Many people accused of crimes in Texas dislike the idea of going to court. They worry that employers and neighbors may find out about their arrest and prosecution. Most people want to avoid others learning about their legal issues, so they decide to plead guilty to their pending criminal charges. They may convince themselves that doing so is the best solution available to them. What they may fail to understand is what they risk by entering a guilty plea in the Texas criminal courts.
Texas has harsh sentencing rules
The most immediate concern when entering a guilty plea is the risk of a judge imposing harsh criminal penalties. While people who plead guilty might expect the courts to treat them kindly because they cooperate with the state, that isn’t always what happens. The courts can impose any sentence that aligns with state law after a defendant enters a guilty plea.
Only those who negotiate thorough plea deals to lesser offenses or that specifically limit the penalties imposed can avoid punishments like incarceration. Depending on the allegations against an individual, they might put themselves at risk of prison time and life-altering fines by entering a guilty plea in the hopes of securing lenience.
A criminal record lasts for life
The other issue that people sometimes fail to properly consider is the negative impact that a criminal record may have on their future opportunities. Even seemingly minor criminal offenses lead to a permanent record that turns up during background checks. Employers, colleges and even schools looking for volunteers may deny people opportunities because of a prior Criminal record. People may lose out on promotions or may find it difficult to continue their education.
Choosing to fight criminal charges can help people avoid both court-imposed penalties and lifetime criminal records. Those who understand the risk involved in pleading guilty may be more assertive about working to prove their innocence.