Should You Tell Your Lawyer If You’re Guilty?

Facing criminal charges can be incredibly overwhelming, especially if you are guilty. Many defendants wonder if they should admit their crimes to their attorneys or lie about them. The reasoning is that if they tell their attorney, then they fear the consequences of the law.

If you’ve just been arrested for a crime and are trying to figure out your next steps, you should not hesitate to contact a criminal defense specialist. When you do, if you are guilty of the alleged crime, you should make sure to let them know, no matter what kind of crime it is.

Why Should You Tell Your Lawyer If You’re Guilty?

People tell white lies all the time, from the existence of Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny to much more important matters. However, when you’re sitting down with the attorney who is representing you, it is in your best interests to tell the truth.

Here are the reasons why you need to let your lawyer know if you are guilty:

You Have Attorney-Client Confidentiality

When you hire a criminal defense lawyer, you can tell them anything in complete confidentiality. They are not allowed to repeat anything you say to them. This includes anyone involved with the case such as the DA or the judge or any friend or relative. 

What you say to your attorney stays private because it is privileged information. If you are guilty, your lawyer is the only person to whom you can safely admit that.

Your Attorney Will Be Better Prepared for Your Defense

Understanding the many duties criminal justice attorneys provide can help you see why you will need to tell them if you are guilty. Lawyers know the laws that are relevant to your case. They need to be able to look up precedents and cite applicable laws to formulate your defense.

The more information your attorney has, the better defense strategy they can craft on your behalf. Never keep any information from your attorney, even if you committed a crime. If you say nothing and let your lawyer represent you at trial and there is evidence proving your guilt, it can undo everything they’ve been doing to protect your future. 

Actions Do Not Always Equal Guilt

All areas of the law are very intricate and complex and that’s especially true for criminal justice. It does not matter that you did what the prosecution alleges in this situation. Your attorney will look at the actual crime being charged relative to the facts of the case. Laws have many detailed requirements, and even if you committed a crime, it may not mean you are guilty under the applicable laws. 

You May Get a Better Plea Deal

Regardless of why you may want to lie about your guilt, telling your lawyer is always the best course of action. Armed with this information, they can find a way to build your defense and work toward a not-guilty verdict. 

However, the most important point about telling your attorney the truth is that without all the facts, any withheld information puts your lawyer at a huge disadvantage with the DA. When the prosecution knows more than your lawyer does, it not only makes your attorney look bad but also makes it much more difficult for them to get a plea deal that will be beneficial to you. 

Good Attorneys Will Know How to Defend You Even If You’re Guilty

While telling your lawyer you did it will result in their need to change their strategy if they’ve already begun, it is not impossible for them to do so. There will certainly be more obstacles, but experienced criminal defense attorneys will find ways around them such as arguing to reduce charges, filing motions to suppress harmful evidence, and seeking lower penalties and fines. 

The Truth and What Can Be Proven May Not Align

In criminal trials, the courts need evidence to show that a defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Even if you did commit a crime, it doesn’t always mean that the prosecution can prove it in a way that satisfies the standard of the law. 

Being Guilty Doesn’t Mean You Will Suffer the Harshest Punishments

When you are guilty, it does not mean that you will get the maximum punishment for your crime even if the prosecutor will be seeking the highest possible charges for a conviction.

Maybe you made an error in judgment or you thought that what you did wasn’t serious until you realized that it was wrong. Your lawyer will advocate for you to show that you are remorseful and fight for lower charges, such as minimal fines and time in jail or prison. In some cases, you may have alternative programs such as rehabilitation that allow you the chance to serve your sentence while working to turn your life around. 

What to Know When You Confess Guilt to Your Lawyer

It is in your best interests to make an admission of guilt to your lawyer behind closed doors. It gives them a better chance to make a strong defense without any hidden surprises from the prosecution. 

However, telling your attorney the truth will mean that they won’t be able to let you testify on your behalf in court. This is because you can’t lie while under oath, which could result in being charged with perjury. Your attorney can’t lie either because they are bound by the ethical standards of their profession. 

Knowing this, it is still wise to divulge all of the facts in your case with complete honesty. The truth will always come to light, and when you’ve made sure your attorney won’t be blindsided with this information, it will allow them to more aptly defend you from the charges you face. Contact a defense attorney to discuss your case in complete privacy and you’ll learn more about the potential options you can pursue.