Legal Question in Criminal Law in Georgia

Question about plea bargain

I have a friend who is charged with crossing state lines to engage in sex with a minor. He was caught in a sting.

He faces 3 charges; a minor under 18, a minor under 12 and use of a computer. He has been offered a plea bargain on the computer use but with enhancements from the others. He has never been in any trouble before and was diagnosed as bipolar and Adult ADD. They have added a clause which says he agrees not to appeal if Blakeley is upheld. He is facing approximately 10 years with the plea bargain. He is unsure of whether to sign or to take his chances by pleading guilty and hoping the judge will be lenient. His probation officer and his therapist both say he does not deserve anywhere close to 9. His concern is that he will agree to the bargain and then the guidelines will be thrown out completely and he will not be able to get resentenced. His court appointed federal defender has not been much use but we cannot afford $35,000.00 which was the price asked by an attorney up here because of the travel. Can anyone give me some pros and cons about this?


Asked on 9/21/04, 8:39 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jim Hough Thomas J. Hough, Jr., P.C.

Re: Question about plea bargain

Without all the facts of the case and review of the prosecution to this point, there would be little way to advise what your friend should do. Have you tried to employ counsel in the jurisdiction where the case is being prosecuted? Thirty-five Thousand Dollars is excessive for a plea.

If you wish to discuss this further, please call.

Jim Hough

770-607-5300

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Answered on 9/22/04, 8:27 am


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