Bennett Velasquez Discusses Legal Strategies such as the Alford Plea

Bennett Velasquez says a Defendant should always pursue “dismissal” of the charges, especially if the facts are favorable to him or her. However, Bennett Velasquez says in some instances it may be advantageous for someone charged with a crime (where dismissal is not a good prospect) to enter into an Alford plea. Alford pleas are recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court. Such a plea enables a judge to accept a plea from a Defendant who does not admit any guilt and who maintains his or her innocence.

Bennett Velasquez says a Defendant may enter into such a plea, for example to avoid the cost and stress of going to trial. Even though it as an admission of guilt and a hence a guilty plea (usually to a lesser charge or to a charge considered “legal fiction”), the Alford plea allows the Defendant to maintain his or her innocence with the court and the public forum. Therefore, the Defendant in accepting an Alford plea is not admitting any wrongdoing, guilt, or violation of any criminal law or statute.

The Defendant’s Legal Counsel will be able to evaluate if the circumstances would even allow for the prospect of an Alford plea, and most certainly, Bennett Velasquez says the Defendant should always take the advice of their Legal Counsel on whether to accept the Alford plea if it is in fact an option.