Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

653m(a) telephone harassment.

I plan on pleading no contest to this particular charge. However, I'm being charged with a misdemeanor and am curious as to whether I can get a more reasonable plea deal. To better phrase the question: Is it worthwhile for me get an attorney, plead not guilty and than hope that my attorney can broker a better plea deal?

I'm a senior enrolled in a university with no priors to speak of.

Thank you for your time and consideration.


Asked on 3/15/10, 8:04 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Do not plead either guilty or no contest unless you have first reviewed your options with a lawyer. If you must enter a plea now, plead not guilty. You can always change your mind later.

You will be in no position to negotiate a deal after pleading no contest. And even if there were a way to negotiate, you wouldn't know how to do it. A lawyer can make a huge difference for you.

A no-contest plea is the same as a guilty plea for most purposes. It will potentially haunt you for the rest of your life. A lawyer's fee will be money well spent if it spares you these problems. And if you can't afford a lawyer, one will be appointed for you. (Appointed counsel won't have much time for your case, though, so you should hire private counsel if at all possible.)

Good luck.

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Answered on 3/20/10, 8:19 pm


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