Entering a guilty plea indicates that you accept responsibility for your actions and the charges.
The Courts will often order a less severe sentence at a plea, than if the matter proceeded to a contested hearing or trial and you were found guilty. In sentencing, the Magistrate or Judge will consider the following:
If you choose to plead not guilty in a criminal matter, we will advise you about what evidence the Police have against you and the likelihood of your success at a Contest. Depending on their evidence, Police may withdraw the charges against you prior to the matter reaching a hearing.
At the hearing, the Magistrate (at summary jurisdiction) or a Judge and Jury at trial (indictable jurisdiction) may find there is insufficient evidence against you and acquit you of the charges.
However, if there is sufficient evidence to establish the charges, the Magistrate or jury will make a finding of guilt against you. The Magistrate or Judge will then Sentence you upon that finding.
The Court will consider the following during Sentencing:
At Hutchinson Legal, we strive to provide you with advice with regards to your matter and the most likely sentence at either a plea or at contest.
In criminal matters, you will be required to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty for each of your charges.
Entering a guilty plea indicates that you accept responsibility for your actions and the charges. The Courts will often order a less severe sentence at a plea, than if the matter proceeded to a contested hearing or trial and you were found guilty.
If you choose to plead not guilty in a criminal matter, we will advise you about what evidence the Police have against you and the likelihood of your success at a Contest. Depending on their evidence, Police may withdraw the charges against you prior to the matter reaching a hearing.
At the hearing, the Magistrate (at summary jurisdiction) or a Judge and Jury at trial (indictable jurisdiction) may find there is insufficient evidence against you and acquit you of the charges.
However, if there is sufficient evidence to establish the charges, the Magistrate or jury will make a finding of guilt against you. The Magistrate or Judge will then Sentence you upon that finding.
At Hutchinson Legal, we strive to provide you with advice with regards to your matter and the most likely sentence at either a plea or at contest.
