ARE YOU LOOKING FOR TRUSTED LEGAL COUNSEL? PUT MY EXPERIENCE ON YOUR SIDE.
Judge gavel with Justice lawyers having team meeting at law firm background.

Should I Still Hire an Attorney if I Think I’m Guilty? 

Law Offices of Fisher Wise Sept. 2, 2022

If you are facing criminal charges and think you are guilty, you may be wondering if it still makes sense to hire an attorney. The short answer is, “Yes, it does.” Remember that you are presumed to be “innocent until proven guilty,” which means an experienced attorney may still be able to fight the allegations against you.  

As a criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of Fisher Wise, I am dedicated to providing you with the best representation possible to protect your rights, freedom, and future. Even if you think there is no way you can prove your innocence (which is debatable), I may still be able to help you avoid a conviction or reduce the negative impact of your criminal case on your life. With an office in Chattanooga, Tennessee, I serve clients throughout Tennessee, including Marion County, Sequatchie County, Rhea County, and surrounding counties.  

What Happens if You Plead Guilty?  

There were over 500,000 criminal offenses committed in Tennessee in 2020, according to a report by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Many of those who commit offenses are arrested and charged with a crime.  

In some cases, pleading guilty may be the best course of action for an individual facing criminal charges. However, by pleading guilty, you admit to committing the crime, which can have dire consequences. Depending on the charges and the circumstances of your case, possible consequences of pleading guilty may include:  

  • Imprisonment 

  • Probation 

  • Fines 

  • Loss of a driver’s license 

  • Loss of the right to own and carry a firearm 

  • Loss of a professional license 

  • Immigration consequences 

  • Employment consequences 

This is not a full list of the possible consequences of a guilty plea. If you do not plead guilty, your case will go to trial where you will have a chance to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed. Even if you think you are guilty, it may still make sense to hire an attorney to advocate for your rights and help you fight for the best possible outcome in your case.  

Reasons to Hire an Attorney

Even if You Think You Are Guilty  

It is never a good idea to give up or think there is nothing you can do to avoid a conviction. You may still have a chance to fight the charges against you with the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney. If you are not sure if retaining legal counsel can help you, consider the following reasons to hire an attorney:  

  • Determine your best course of action. Even if you think that pleading guilty is the only option you have left, you may still want to contact an attorney to get advice about your options. An attorney will review your unique case and provide you with detailed guidance. 

  • Undermine the prosecution’s case. The prosecution must prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction. With a skilled attorney on your side, you may be able to cast doubt on the prosecution’s case by challenging the evidence against you and finding weaknesses and inconsistencies in their theory. 

  • Get a favorable plea deal. Your ability to obtain a favorable plea deal hinges on your defense attorney’s negotiation skills. Thus, even if you think you are guilty, you may still benefit from hiring an attorney to negotiate a favorable plea deal.  

  • Seek alternatives to jail/prison. If one of the possible penalties for the crime includes a jail or prison sentence, you need an attorney to explore alternative sentencing options.  

A criminal conviction can have a serious and long-term impact on your life. If you are facing criminal charges, a criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the legal system and understand possible defense strategies in your case. When communicating with an attorney, it is crucial to tell your attorney the whole truth. Your attorney needs to know all the facts and details of your case to be able to develop the most effective defense strategy.   

Speak With Trusted Legal Guidance 

Even if you think you are guilty, it still makes sense to discuss your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney. At the Law Offices of Fisher Wise, I can review your unique case and advise you on your options to get the charges dismissed or reduced. With an office in Chattanooga, I serve clients throughout the state of Tennessee, including East Ridge, Red Bank, and Soddy-Daisy. Get in touch now to discuss your case.