Originally Posted by
SurferRosa
It depends on the facts of the case, available funds, and where the defendant finds himself in the timetable of proceedings. If he is clearly guilty, it can be a great benefit to plead no contest/guilty to arrive at a bargain and lessor sentence.
Damn, I wrote that almost 12 years ago!
The summary you quoted was describing her first plea, presumably before any bargaining had begun. It sounds like you missed this part of that same comment :
The way our courts work, the best outcome for her is if she pleads "not guilty" until she gets the best plea bargain she thinks she can get. Or she can roll the dice in the court room.
When you're accused of a crime, your "guilty" plea is valuable to the prosecution. You
can give it to them for free, or you may be able to give it to them in exchange for concessions, a "plea bargain".
But your first plea, the first time you go before the judge? It's usually "not guilty", unless you're
trying to screw yourself over. Or it's a minor crime and the penalty will just be a small fine.
But if it's a felony, smart people don't plead "guilty" until their lawyer agrees it's time, and that usually means it's done in exchange for some deal.