The fundamental goal of a defense lawyer is to ensure that their client’s guilt is not proven. However, in some cases, the evidence against the accused is clear and difficult to challenge; therefore, the defense lawyer strives to ensure that the outcome of the criminal proceedings is at least as lenient as possible for the accused. This means the defense lawyer’s task is to secure a milder sentence for the client.
One way to achieve this is through the defendant’s admission of guilt.
What is an admission of guilt?
It is an instrument of criminal law where the defendant declares that they agree with the charges brought against them in the indictment, as well as with how their criminal activity is described and legally classified therein.
What are the consequences of an admission of guilt?
There are primarily two positive consequences. Firstly, it serves as a major mitigating circumstance, resulting in a more lenient sentence for the defendant. For many people, it is also important that the main court hearing is significantly shortened, allowing them to put the unpleasant experience behind them more quickly. The admission of guilt is made by the defendant right at the beginning of the court proceedings. If the public prosecutor and the court agree, no further evidence regarding the defendant’s guilt is presented.
Conversely, the negative consequences include the fact that once a person admits guilt, they cannot change their mind. It is not possible to appeal the verdict on guilt; in appeal proceedings, only the type and severity of the sentence could be addressed.
Choose a defense lawyer as soon as possible
Criminal proceedings consist of several interconnected stages. For the best development of a client’s case, it is essential for their defense lawyer to be involved from the very beginning. If a lawyer joins the defense at a later stage, it may no longer be possible to help the client fully, and they may only be able to mitigate the impact.
MATĚNA LAW FIRM HELPS ITS CLIENTS IN DIFFICULT TIMES
The law firm of JUDr. Marek Matěna in Olomouc, Ostrava, Pardubice, Zlín, and Frýdek-Místek has long specialized in criminal law. Therefore, if you are dealing with providing an explanation to the police, facing a main trial, have received a penal order, or conversely, wish to file a criminal complaint as a victim of a crime, or have any other legal problem, do not hesitate to contact us. Our law firm will attend to you immediately and assist you with everything.
