Legal Question in Criminal Law in Massachusetts

Motion for a new judge....

You smile and say "Thank you, Your Honor." While I am not sure what happened, the mere act of withdrawing a plea in itself cannot be cause for jail. What the judge may have been trying to tell you is that IF the withdrawal of the plea is allowed, and IF you lose the jury trial, you may then be facing jail time up to the maximum extent of the law. Another reason could have been that if your withdrawal is allowed and you are awaiting a scheduled trial, the prosecution may ask for a cash bail to assure your appearance in court. If you are not able to post that bail, you may be held in custody prior to trial.