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RECENT DWI & CRIMINAL DEFENSE RESULTS

STATE v. HENDRICKS — NEW JERSEY MURDER TRIAL — "NOT GUILTY" VERDICT

Mr. Tumelty represented Helena Hendricks, who was charged with first degree murder in Atlantic County Superior Court. The defendant faced a number of additional charges, including armed robbery, conspiracy and possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose. At the conclusion of a jury trial that lasted three weeks, the defendant was found "not guilty" of all charges.

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Should You Take a Plea Deal?

 

Knowing when to and when not to accept a plea deal can be very important in your case. This is often not a decision best made by yourself, but with the help of an attorney. Sometimes, it may seem very tempting to accept the plea deal, because it excludes the possibility of jail time in exchange for a hefty fee. In most cases, it makes the court’s life a bit easier, but it is not likely meant to be the best deal for you. Your attorney can advise you on whether the plea deal can be improved, or whether taking the case to trial is a better idea. … However, an experienced attorney may be able to negotiate a plea bargain that allows you to seal or expunge your criminal record at the conclusion of your probation period.

What to Know About Plea Deals:

One thing that you should know about taking a plea deal, is that by taking it, you are admitting guilt of the crime committed, even if this may not be completely true. This means that the conviction will go on your criminal record, and you may lose certain rights; including the right to vote.

What to Do if Faced with a Plea Deal:

If the court gives you the opportunity for a plea deal, it is smart to wait a moment. Consulting an experienced attorney is your smartest bet, as they will know what the best option is. In some cases, it is very smart to take the plea deal because it will work out best in the long run. In other cases, though, the plea deal might not be the smartest move. Even though simply moving on with your life and facing the plea deal might seem convenient, don’t give up that easy. Speak with an attorney first to go over your options.

If you or a loved one has been in the situation where a plea deal has been offered, speak with a qualified attorney before accepting or declining it. At John Tumetly Law, Mr. Tumelty is a sole practitioner and personally handles every case that comes into his office. If you are in need of criminal defense, contact an attorney with years of experience as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney. Call the Law Offices of John W. Tumelty today or fill out our convenient contact form to request a consultation right away.

 

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.

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