Do I Need To Hire an Attorney if I Plan To Plead Guilty? | Defense Attorneys, Wichita, KS

WICHITA, Kan., April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- If you've been charged with a crime and are planning to plead guilty, you may be wondering: do I still need to hire an attorney? Without hesitation, the answer to that question is always a resounding yes. While you always have the right to represent yourself in a criminal case, doing so can risk your future. Don't try to take on the legal system yourself—find out how partnering with our expert defense attorneys in Wichita, Kansas, at the McConnell Law Firm can help you receive the best possible outcome, even if you're pleading guilty!

What Is a Guilty Plea?

A guilty plea is a formal admission of guilt in a criminal case. When a defendant pleads guilty, they accept responsibility for the charges against them and waive their right to a trial, meaning the court will proceed straight to sentencing. While the process may seem straightforward, entering a guilty plea comes with serious legal consequences, all of which are important to understand before making any final decisions. An experienced defense attorney—familiar with local courts, prosecutors, and judges—will make sure you know exactly what you're pleading guilty to and how the associated penalties will impact you and your future.

How an Attorney Can Help

Entering a guilty plea is more complicated than admitting fault and accepting a legal punishment. When a defendant pleads guilty, they wave certain constitutional rights, including the right to a trial and the ability to challenge any evidence against them. And, just because a person pleads guilty doesn't mean they won't experience long-term consequences! In addition to gaining a criminal record, you could still be facing the loss of professional licenses, immigration issues, restrictions on firearms, and more, should you unknowingly accept harsher penalties than necessary. Here's how an expert criminal defense attorney in Wichita can help!

Negotiate a Better Deal

Did you know that plea deals are negotiable? Without an attorney, you may be left to accept whatever standard offer the prosecution presents, which is often not necessarily in your best interest. By having an experienced defense attorney on your team, they can negotiate for reduced charges, minimized sentencing, or alternative sentencing options such as probation or community service.

Protect Your Rights

Even when pleading guilty, court procedures must still be followed. Judges often ask defendants a series of questions before accepting a guilty plea to ensure that the plea is made voluntarily and with a complete understanding of the consequences. A lawyer can prepare you for this process and ensure your rights are not violated.

Assist With Sentencing

When it comes to sentencing, having legal representation can make a significant difference. Even if you plead guilty, a Wichita criminal defense lawyer can argue for mitigating factors that may result in a lighter sentence. These factors can include a lack of prior criminal history, personal hardships, or participation in rehabilitation programs, which may influence the judge's decision if presented effectively.

"Even if you intend to enter into a guilty plea, a defense attorney can evaluate the case and may even change your mind about pleading guilty," said Jonathan W. McConnell, founding Wichita criminal defense lawyer at the McConnell Law Firm. "Maybe it can be dismissed or taken to trial because it's potentially a winner—you would never know that without a defense attorney. If you do enter into a plea, an attorney is still advantageous, as they know the specifics of the case, the local prosecutors, judges, and courts, and can put you in the best position possible for a favorable outcome."

Have You Been Accused?

If you are facing criminal charges, we encourage you to contact the McConnell Law Firm as soon as possible. While every case is different, and no conclusions should be drawn without first consulting a defense attorney in Wichita about the specifics of your case, it is always in your best interest to have a skilled lawyer by your side from the beginning.

Request a Free Consultation

Do you or a loved one need the assistance of one of our defense attorneys in Wichita? We encourage you to contact the McConnell Law Firm at (316) 243-5903 for a free consultation.

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SOURCE McConnell Law Firm