There are three decisions that you alone get to make, though your attorney will advise you as to what they believe the right decision for your case is. The first decision to make is whether or not to “take a deal.” In every criminal case your attorney will do everything they can to get you the best offer available. Once they have an offer, they are legally required to share that information with you and it is up to you to decide if you are willing to take the offer or not. Taking the offer means pleading guilty to some charge or charges. If your attorney advises you to take the case to trial but you want to accept the offer, your attorney will assist you in accepting the offer. If you want to take the case to trial, even if your attorney advises against it, your case will go to trial. Your attorney will do their very best for you no matter what you decide.

The next decision that is yours to make is, if you are taking the case to trial, whether to try the case before a judge or a jury. Your attorney will review the pros and cons of this decision with you and will offer you their opinion, but the ultimate decision is yours.

The last decision that is entirely yours to make is, if you are having a trial, whether or not you will testify. Again, your attorney will review with you what their opinion is and the reasons for that opinion, but the ultimate decision is yours. There are many reasons both to testify and not to testify.

All three of these decisions are very important you should give careful thought to them all and listen closely to the advice of your attorney. Ask your attorney any questions you may have, they are here to help you.