The sixth amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees you the right to a jury trial in a criminal case. It guarantees you the right to confront the witnesses against you, and the right to have witnesses testify on your behalf.

It does not guarantee you the right to a plea bargain.

Sadly, though, most criminal cases in America's courthouses end in plea bargain agreements. Defendants give up their rights, plead guilty and take whatever punishment the government will offer them.

If every criminal case in America were set for jury trial, the courts would shut down. There would be too much justice for the system to handle.

I dream of a world when there are no more pleas of guilty, and everyone receives due process and justice.

I live, though, in the real world. Prosecutors offer defendants reductions in punishment -- sometimes substantial reductions -- for their pleas of guilty and their cooperation. Often the best thing for one of my clients will be to plead guilty.

If you are guilty, you may choose to plead guilty. I will advise you of the risks and benefits of pleading guilty or pleading not guilty, and help you make an informed decision. You don't have to plead guilty. I will never pressure you to plead guilty. You've paid me for a jury trial and you'll get a jury trial.

If you are not guilty, though, DON'T PLEAD GUILTY. I hope you'll hire me, but whoever you hire, don't let them pressure you into pleading guilty.
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Mark.

This page is a work in progress. If you'd like to discuss Federal criminal trials, please contact me