What will happen if I plead not guilty for a paraphernalia fine?
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What will happen if I plead not guilty for a paraphernalia fine?
I was given time to find legal help through my University but they will not assist because it is just over the state border. If I plead not guilty could this buy me time to find legal aid? and what will happen after I plead not guilty?
Asked on June 24, 2009 under Criminal Law, Minnesota
Answers:
M.S., Member, Connecticut Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
Although I do not practice law in the State of Minnesota, you have a right, pursuant to the United States Constitution, to plead not guilty and take your case to trial. What a not guilty plea means, from a practical perspective, is that at some point the prosecution will put an offer on the table, and if not accepted, at some put subsequent to that your case will go to trial. You DO NOT want to go to trial unrepresented. Therefore, while the not guilty plea may technically "buy you more time" when compared to a guilty plea, your first priority now should be to secure competent legal representation for this charge.
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