Why a Quick Exit Now Can Cost You for Years

😔 “I Just Want to Be Done With It.”

If you've been charged with a crime in Louisiana, you're probably tired, overwhelmed, and maybe even ashamed. You just want this chapter of your life to be over.
So when the court or DA offers you a deal — especially for a first offense — it's tempting to say:

“Fine. I'll just plead guilty and move on.”

But here's the reality:
Pleading guilty just to “move on” can create long-term consequences you can't undo.

At Lawrence Law Firm, we've worked with countless people in Ruston and throughout North Louisiana who made this mistake — and came to us when it was too late to fix. Here's what you need to know before you accept any deal.

⚖️ What Happens When You Plead Guilty?

You waive your rights to:

• A trial

• Cross-examination of witnesses

• Challenging evidence

• Filing motions to suppress or dismiss

• Possibly even your right to appeal

And once you plead guilty, the court will sentence you — which could include:

• Jail time or probation

• Fines, fees, and court costs

• Permanent conviction on your criminal record

• Loss of gun rights, driving privileges, or immigration status

❗Many of these consequences can't be reversed — even if you regret the plea later.

💭 Why People Plead Guilty Too Soon

• They're scared of the unknown

• They feel ashamed and believe they “deserve” punishment

• They think it'll go away faster

• They don't realize they might have had a strong defense

And sometimes, they think the charge is “just a misdemeanor,” without understanding how damaging that one line on a background check can be.

📉 The Risk of Pleading Without a Lawyer

We've seen people plead guilty who:

• Were illegally searched

• Were never formally charged

• Could have completed a diversion program

• Were arrested by mistake

• Were eligible for expungement — but ruined the chance by rushing into a conviction

💡 Once you're convicted, your options narrow. The time to fight is before that plea goes on the record.

🛡️ What You Should Do Instead

At Lawrence Law Firm, we never recommend pleading guilty until we:

• Review the evidence

• Analyze your prior record (or lack of one)

• Explore alternatives like diversion, pretrial intervention, or reduced charges

• Identify suppression opportunities

• Negotiate from a position of strength — not fear

And in many cases, once the DA knows we're on the case, the deal gets better.

📞 Don't Say “Guilty” Without Talking to Us First

If you're standing in front of a judge with a decision to make, you need a lawyer standing next to you — one who knows the system, the stakes, and how to fight for your future.

📞 Call 318.232.4000 to speak with a criminal defense lawyer in Ruston, LA before entering any plea.
🖥️ Or online today.

🔄 Coming Up in the Common Mistake Series:

• Mistake #5: Waiting Too Long to Hire a Lawyer

• Bonus Post: “I Already Pled Guilty — Can I Undo It?”

The blog published by Lawrence Law Firm is available for informational purposes only and is not considered legal advice on any subject matter. By viewing blog posts, the reader understands there is no attorney-client relationship between the reader and the blog publisher. Artificial Intelligence has been used to assist in formatting, topic selection, and organization, and while this information has been reviewed an attorney, this article should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney, and readers are urged to consult their own legal counsel on any specific legal questions concerning a specific situation.