What is a Plea in Abeyance? And Why You’ll Want an Attorney
If you reside in Utah and are facing certain charges, you should know you have options. While you might automatically think the only things that you can do are plead guilty or innocent, there is one more option: a plea in abeyance. Most people do not realize they can do this in court, but if you know what it means and have a skilled Provo Utah defense attorney representing you, it is a good option.
What is a Plea in Abeyance?
A plea in abeyance is essentially an agreement between you and the court that allows the charges against you to be dismissed as a condition that you complete something ordered by the court. As a whole, it is really pleading guilty or no contest to the violation in question, but you do not face conviction provided you carry out the agreement that the judge sets forth to you. For example, if the judge may order you to complete a certain amount of hours of community service and will not convict you of the crime as long as you successfully do so.
Benefits
Of course, there are certain benefits with a plea in abeyance. They include the following:
• Many offenses that may warrant a plea in abeyance are related to traffic and driving. You can avoid having your license suspended.
• You are not formally convicted, which means the charge will not show up on your record.
• The case is dismissed against you as long as you comply with all the conditions of the agreement.
If you are considering the route of a plea in abeyance in Utah, you should have Howard Lewis & Petersen, a well-known criminal defense law firm in Provo, on your side, fighting to protect your rights. Contact criminal defense law firm in Provo, Howard Lewis & Petersen, to consult with an experienced Provo Utah defense attorney at your earliest convenience.
