Why do clearly guilty people plead not guilty?
Asked by: Dena Kulas | Last update: January 2, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (36 votes)
This strategic approach ensures that any plea agreement is the result of careful evaluation and informed decision-making. Even if you believe you are guilty, pleading not guilty allows you to explore all possible defenses and legal strategies, ensuring that justice is served in the most equitable manner possible.
Why do people plead not guilty when they are clearly guilty?
For several reasons. One, they hope that a jury will find them not guilty. Two, they hope to get a deal from the prosecutor before trial. Three, they have not yet come to grips with what they did. Four, they want to stay out on bond as long as possible.
Why do innocent people plead guilty?
Sometimes people plea guilty because of the uncertainty of a trial. There may be substantial evidence pointing to someones guilt even if they are innocent. Unfortunately, innocent people are convicted by juries. An accused may be looking at substantial time in the penitentiary or even death if convicted.
Should you plead not guilty if you are guilty?
Pleading not guilty is a necessary step even if your intent is to admit your guilt; you want to do that after a process of negotiating a plea, you don't want to leave that up to the whims of a prosecutor and judge.
Is it better to be found not guilty or acquitted?
As noted, not guilty means you are not legally answerable for the crime, while an acquittal is a finding by a judge or jury that you are not guilty of the crime. Again, an acquittal does not always mean you are innocent; instead, it means the district attorney failed to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
You're supposed to plead NOT GUILTY (even if you did it).
Why do courts say not guilty instead of innocent?
As a verdict, not guilty means the fact finder finds that the prosecution did not meet its burden of proof . A not guilty verdict does not mean that the defendant truly is innocent but rather that for legal purposes they will be found not guilty because the prosecution did not meet the burden.
Can you be charged again after being acquitted?
This clause protects people from being tried more than once for the same offense. If you have been acquitted of a criminal charge, you cannot be tried again. This is the main difference between an acquittal and being not guilty under criminal law.
Does pleading guilty reduce your sentence?
You may be able to enter into a favorable plea agreement with the prosecutor if you agree to plead guilty. They may drop the charges to a less serious offense or agree to reduce your sentence. This can be extremely beneficial, especially if you face a jail or prison sentence.
What is it called when you plead guilty but not guilty?
Alford plea. The name, Alford plea, is taken from the case North Carolina v. Alford . An Alford plea, also known as a "best-interests plea," registers a formal admission of guilt towards charges in criminal court while the defendant simultaneously expresses their innocence toward those same charges .
How do you know if a criminal case is strong?
If the state has strong witnesses, photographs, video, or other compelling evidence, or you made damaging admissions, the prosecutor will most likely take a harder approach in your case, making it harder to get the charges against you reduced to a lesser offense. Your defenses will play a role in the outcome as well.
Do innocent people get angry when accused?
“We conducted four studies showing that people think that anger is a cue to guilt, and two studies showing that people who are falsely accused, versus rightfully accused, are actually more likely to be angry,” Adams said.
Why should you never take a plea bargain?
Critics argue that plea bargains can result in innocent people pleading guilty to avoid the risk of a harsher sentence at trial. There are also concerns about the consistency and fairness of plea deals, as well as the potential for prosecutorial overreach.
Do you go to jail right away if you plead guilty?
In most cases, you will not be taken directly to jail. Instead you will be given a period of time in which to complete your commitment. Jail alternatives such as electronic home detention and community service are commonly imposed instead of jail if you do not have criminal history.
Do most defendants plead not guilty True or false?
The defendant enters a plea to the charges brought by the U.S. Attorney at a court hearing known as arraignment. More than 90 percent of defendants plead guilty rather than go to trial.
Does it matter if you plead guilty?
Pleading guilty
If you plead guilty you will get a reduction in your sentence. To qualify for the maximum level of reduction (one third), a defendant must plead at the first court hearing. Defendants who plead later will serve longer sentences than those who accept their guilt and plead at this early stage.
How long does a no-contest plea stay on your record?
Both misdemeanor and felony convictions remain on your record indefinitely. A no-contest plea will result in a permanent criminal record for both types of offenses unless you successfully petition for expungement or an order of nondisclosure (sealing).
Is pleading guilty better than not guilty?
By maintaining a not guilty plea, you retain the leverage needed to negotiate a more favorable plea agreement. This could result in lesser charges, reduced sentences, or alternative sentencing options that might not be available if you initially plead guilty.
Why do lawyers tell you to plead not guilty?
The not guilty plea allows the case to continue, so the lawyer can get more legal fees. It also allows the prosecution and defense to work on a plea bargain, often to the mutual benefit of the defendant and the prosecution. The courts punish people who turn down plea bargains and are found guilty at trial severely.
What happens if you refuse to plead guilty or not guilty?
A defendant may plead guilty, not guilty, or, with the consent of the court, nolo contendere. If the defendant refuses to plead, or if a defendant corporation fails to appear, the court must enter a plea of not guilty.
Can pleading not guilty hurt you?
Some people worry that if they plead “not guilty,” when they feel they are really guilty, that it could hurt them later. Please do not worry.
Can you be found innocent if you plead guilty?
For that reason, pleading guilty always results in a conviction — you waive your right to fight for the complete dismissal of the charges against you or for an acquittal (finding of not-guilty) in a trial. After you plead guilty, you will be sentenced. Depending on the crime, you may face fines, prison time, or both.
Is pleading not guilty lying?
Even if “you” think you are guilty, when you enter a plea of Not Guilty, you are in no way shape or form lying to the court. You are simply choosing not to give up your rights at the moment. The Judge will not be angry with you for pleading Not Guilty.
What happens if someone confesses a crime after being acquitted?
The obvious application of double jeopardy is when law enforcement finds new evidence of the defendant's guilt after the jury has already acquitted them. The prosecution cannot charge them again, even if the evidence shows that they probably are guilty.
Can I sue after being found not guilty?
Yes. Dropped charges could make a malicious prosecution claim possible. But when a verdict was rendered, it may be more difficult to pursue a civil claim after the fact. Before a criminal case can proceed to the trial phase, the court must find probable cause.
Can a not guilty verdict be reversed?
A prosecutor cannot appeal a not-guilty verdict. Not in California and not anywhere else within the United States. The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution contains the Double Jeopardy clause.