Is It Better to Plead Guilty or Go to Trial?

When you’re facing criminal charges in Washington, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to accept a plea deal or take your case to trial. This choice can significantly impact your future, and it’s not one to take lightly. At the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer, we help clients make informed, strategic decisions based on the strength of their case, their long-term goals, and the risks involved.

What Is a Plea Deal?

A plea deal, also known as a plea bargain, is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecutor. In most cases, the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest in exchange for a reduced charge, a lighter sentence, or the dismissal of other charges. These agreements are common in Washington courts and can help avoid the uncertainty of trial.

Advantages of Accepting a Plea Deal

Plea deals offer several benefits. First, they provide certainty—you’ll know what the outcome will be, which can ease a great deal of stress. Second, they often result in reduced penalties, such as probation instead of jail time, or a misdemeanor instead of a felony. Third, they usually resolve the case much faster than a full trial, which could otherwise take months or longer. For people who want to move on quickly and avoid a public trial, a plea deal can feel like a practical option.

Risks of Pleading Guilty

That said, plea deals aren’t always in your best interest. By accepting a plea, you give up your right to a trial and admit guilt—something that stays on your criminal record. Even if the penalties are lighter, a conviction can affect your employment, housing, immigration status, and other parts of your life. In some cases, defendants feel pressured to accept a deal even when they have strong legal defenses. Without the guidance of an experienced criminal defense attorney, you might accept an offer that isn’t truly fair.

What to Expect If You Go to Trial

Choosing to go to trial means asserting your right to challenge the state’s case. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the offense. At trial, your attorney can present defenses, cross-examine witnesses, and raise doubts about the evidence. If the jury (or judge in a bench trial) finds you not guilty, you walk away without a conviction.

However, trials come with serious risks. If convicted, the sentence can be harsher than what was offered in a plea deal. Trials can also take months to prepare for, cost more in legal fees, and be emotionally taxing. The outcome is uncertain, no matter how strong your case may seem.

Factors to Consider Before Making Your Decision

No two cases are the same. That’s why we approach each decision strategically. The strength of the prosecution’s evidence, the availability of defenses, and the reliability of witnesses all play major roles. Your goals matter too. Some clients want to avoid jail at all costs. Others are more focused on protecting their professional license, their immigration status, or their public reputation. And in many cases, we use your willingness to go to trial as leverage to negotiate a better deal.

The decision to plead guilty or go to trial is too important to make alone. At the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer, we work one-on-one with you to explain your options, assess your risks, and fight for the outcome that protects your future. Whether you’re considering a plea deal or want your day in court, we’re ready to help.

Charged with a crime in Washington? Call the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer today to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you make the right move for your future.