How Do You Decide Between Going to Trial and Pleading - KSTP Appearance

Thomas Lane was getting ready to go on trial on June 13th with his two co-defendants for aiding and abetting the murder of George Floyd. They have already been convicted in Federal Court for other charges but this was the original set of charges that they faced following the conviction of Derek Chauvin.

Lane made the decision on 5/17 to plead guilty rather than going to trial. This was Lane’s right but it is always complicated to decide which direction to go when facing serious felony charges like murder in Minnesota Criminal Court. There are series of difference issues that should be considered when deciding whether to go to trial versus pleading guilty to anything. If you are facing such charges, make sure that you sit down with an experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney.

“Going to trial is a client’s Constitutional right. At the same time, knowing what happens if you win or lose can be equally important. What do you risk if things go wrong? Are there alternatives?”

Criminal Defense Attorney Jack Rice sat down with Callan Gray of KSTP TV to talk about Thomas Lane’s decision to plead and to talk about the process one goes through to make a decision like this. We talked about the risks versus rewards of going to trial and the potential exposure of losing.

If you are facing serious charges, talk with a criminal defense attorney who can give you an assessment of your case, the exposure you might face and the various avenues that you might take. Knowing your options is everything.

Jack Rice is an award winning criminal defense attorney, a former U.S. Federal Officer, a former prosecutor, a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist and the Founder of Jack Rice Defense. Contact Jack Rice Defense for a free confidential consultation or call 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.