Consequences of a Criminal Guilty Plea

Consequences of a Criminal Guilty Plea

1. Do you understand that before the judge can find you guilty, you will have to tell the judge what you did that makes you guilty of the particular offense(s)?
2. Do you understand that if you plead guilty: a. You will have a criminal record?

3. You must pay a minimum Violent Crimes Compensation Board assessment of $50 ($100 minimum if you are convicted of a crime of violence) for each count to which you plead guilty.

4. If the offense occurred on or after March 13, 1995 and the sentence is to probation, or the sentence otherwise requires payments of financial obligations to the probation division, you must pay a transaction fee of up to $2.00 for each occasion when a payment or installment payment is made.

5. You must pay a $75 Safe Neighborhood Services Fund assessment for each conviction.

6. If you are being sentenced to probation, you must pay a fee of up to $25 per month for the term of probation.

7. If the crime occurred on or after January 9, 1997 you must pay a Law Enforcement Officers Training and Equipment Fund penalty of $30.

8. In indictable matters, you will be required to provide a DNA sample, which could be used by law enforcement for the investigation of criminal activity, and pay for the cost of testing.

9. You must pay restitution if the court finds there is a victim who has suffered a loss and if the court finds that you are able or will be able in the future to pay restitution.

10. If you are a public office holder or employee, you can be required to forfeit your office or job by virtue of your plea of guilty.

11. If you are not a United States citizen or national, you may be deported by virtue of your plea of guilty.

12. You must wait 5-10 years to expunge a first offense. 2C:52-3

13. You lose the presumption against incarceration in future cases. 2C:44-1

14. You may lose your right to vote.

The defense of a person charged with a criminal is not impossible. There are a number of viable defenses and arguments which can be pursued to achieve a successful result. Advocacy, commitment, and persistence are essential to defending a client accused of a criminal offense.