Should I Take a Plea Deal or Go to Trial?
If you’ve been charged with a crime in California, one of the most important — and often most difficult — decisions you’ll face is whether to take a plea deal or go to trial. It’s not just a legal choice. It’s a decision that could impact your freedom, your record, your future, and your peace of mind. And once you make it, there’s rarely a way to undo it.
The truth is: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What’s right for one person might be wrong for another. But what’s critical is understanding what’s at stake, what your options really mean, and how the decision should be made — based on the facts of your case, the strength of the evidence, and your personal goals.
At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we’ve been guiding clients through this decision for over 20 years. Whether you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or a serious felony in Los Angeles, we take the time to explain what the DA is offering, what going to trial would involve, and what gives you the best chance of protecting your future.
A plea deal is a negotiated agreement between you and the prosecutor. In exchange for pleading guilty (or no contest), the prosecution offers a reduction in charges, sentencing leniency, or other concessions. Sometimes it means avoiding jail. Other times, it’s about avoiding a strike, a felony, or immigration consequences.
On the surface, it might seem like the safest route. But not always. Pleading guilty means accepting a conviction — and that can come with long-term consequences you might not fully realize at first: loss of professional licenses, trouble finding a job, travel restrictions, or even deportation for non-citizens.
On the other hand, going to trial means forcing the prosecution to prove every part of their case beyond a reasonable doubt. It puts the burden on them — not you. If the evidence is weak, contradictory, or gathered illegally, trial may be your best shot at a full dismissal or a not guilty verdict.
But trials also carry risks. If you’re convicted after trial, the penalties can be more severe than what the prosecutor originally offered. That’s why it’s critical to have a defense attorney who’s not just experienced in court — but who knows how to assess whether the trial is truly in your best interest.
When we help clients with this decision, we always start with the evidence. We look at:
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How strong is the case against you?
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Were your rights violated during the stop, search, or arrest?
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Are there key witnesses with credibility issues?
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Has the DA overcharged the case or added enhancements?
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Is the plea deal actually better than what a judge might impose after trial?
We also look at your personal goals. Is avoiding jail your top priority? Is it more important to avoid a conviction altogether? Are there immigration or professional consequences to consider? We tailor your strategy to what matters most to you — and we’re honest about the risks, the leverage, and your chances at each step.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is accepting a plea deal just to “get it over with,” without realizing what they’re agreeing to. Don’t do that. At the very least, speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney who can break it down clearly — and explain what the prosecution still has to prove.
Our criminal defense attorney, Arash Hashemi personally handles each case. He’ll sit down with you, go over the discovery, review the plea offer, and explain what a trial would actually look like. Then, together, we decide on the path forward — whether that’s negotiating a better deal or preparing to fight in court.
And remember: just because you’re considering a plea doesn’t mean you have to accept the first offer. We often negotiate for better terms — including reduced charges, no jail time, or alternative sentencing like diversion or probation. In many cases, we can turn a “take it or leave it” deal into something far more favorable.
Before you make any decisions, make sure you have real answers and experienced legal guidance on your side. Contact our office today to schedule your free, confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.
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