The law can be complicated to understand, especially to someone who is not well-versed with it. That’s why there are lawyers who will help you in every situation that you face. If you are being charged or sued with a crime, you will need a lawyer to represent you in court unless you want to present yourself. But getting a lawyer who specializes in your case will tremendously change the course.
In Singapore, you could hire a lawyer from the Singapore Criminal Defense Lawyer. They will study your case and do what’s necessary to make sure that you receive lesser sentencing. Of course, it will depend on what type of crime of offense you created. But whether you created the crime or not, they will make sure that you will be comfortable with the judge’s decision. One of those things that could help you is a mitigation plea.
Understanding what a Mitigation Plea is in Layman’s Terms
Once you have been found guilty of a criminal offense, you will need to present a mitigation plea. A mitigation plea is when you inform the court of the mitigating factors that could hopefully lessen your sentencing. The mitigation plea is only raised before the judge decides what type of sentencing they will give you. Mitigating factors are facts or reasons that you will feel are valid reasons why the judge should give you a lesser sentence. These could be information related to your personal circumstances or information and facts related to the case.
You or your lawyer can present the mitigation plea. It is either written or orally presented in court. Your lawyer will present the plea of mitigation in the English language, but you will be provided with an interpreter if you wish to deliver it orally in court in another language.
What Should a Mitigation Plea be About?
The purpose of a mitigation plea is to persuade the court and the judge to give you a lighter sentence or a more appropriate one that you feel is right for you. It could contain your personal circumstances such as your background, education and employment records, and medical conditions that could explain your character and attitude. Another type of information you could present is the factors surrounding the offense committed, such as your role, the cost of the property concerned, or how grave the injury was caused to the victim.
Keep in mind that a mitigation plea should not include any information that would contradict the Statement of Facts when you plead guilty or any of the facts that have arrived at the judge after the trial.
What to Expect after Presenting a Mitigation Plea
After you and your lawyer presented your mitigation plea, the judge will be imposing a sentence against you. After the decision has been made, either party may appeal to the High Court regarding the imposed sentence. You may appeal if you feel that the sentence is excessive and not supported by law facts or if the prosecution feels like the sentence is not adequate and not supported by law facts. You have to file the formal application of the appeal within ten days from the date of conviction. After that, the High Court will consider your appeal and make a final decision.
