Going to trial is a major decision for any criminal defendant. While there are some potential benefits to going to trial, there are also some serious cons that must be considered. This article will discuss the cons of going to trial and why it may be in a defendant’s best interest to avoid it.
One of the biggest cons of going to trial is the unpredictability of the jury. Juries are composed of people from all walks of life, and their opinions and beliefs can vary greatly. This means that it is impossible to predict how a jury will rule in a case. Even if the evidence is overwhelmingly in favor of the defendant, a jury may still find them guilty.
Another con of going to trial is the potential for the maximum penalty. If a defendant is found guilty, they will face the maximum penalty for the crime they are accused of. This could mean a lengthy prison sentence or even the death penalty in some cases.
Finally, criminal defendants may not have the best representation when going to trial. Public defenders are often overworked and may not have the time to dedicate to a single case. On the other hand, private attorneys can be expensive and may not be affordable for some defendants.
In conclusion, there are several cons to going to trial that must be considered. Juries are often difficult to predict, and a defendant may face the maximum penalty for a crime if found guilty. Additionally, criminal defendants may not have the best representation when going to trial. For these reasons, it may be in a defendant’s best interest to avoid going to trial.
