YOU DON’T KNOWWHAT YOU’RE GETTING INTO Accepting a Plea Deal Leads to Heavy Consequences
All of these and many other misdemeanors carry severe and life-altering consequences. Individuals who accept the pleas are suddenly faced with difficulties becoming a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and obtaining a professional license or getting a job. They could also get expelled from school, be unable to receive a loan, or be prevented from renting an apartment. If you’re charged with a felony, you will get a public defender at arraignment and will probably be given a plea offer. Accepting an offer can lead to extremely severe consequences that can follow you for the rest of your life. Have you had adequate time to think about the evidence? Do you know how the plea will affect you if you have a professional license or if you aren’t a citizen? These are the types of questions you should ask yourself.
If the State offers you a plea deal to close out your case arraignment, it might be better if you don’t take it. At times, the plea can seem better than a full charge, especially when the case is serious. However, most people who want to avoid going to court might accept a plea bargain without considering the full consequences of their actions. When the State does offer you a deal, it creates a significant problem in misdemeanor cases, where you’re not guaranteed a public defender. It’s incredibly distressing knowing that defendant after defendant accepts pleas on an almost daily basis, not knowing the weight of what they’re doing. Defendants will accept guilty pleas of DUI, possession of marijuana, petty theft, disorderly conduct, or driving with license suspended.
Understanding the depth of the problem is the first step to avoid it. Even if you don’t want to go to court, keeping your record clean may be well worth the fight. Talk to an attorney after you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor to save you from these difficulties.
Laugh Out Loud
Homemade Marshmallows As we enter the height of s’mores season, consider upgrading those store-bought marshmallows to homemade ones. For a colorful treat, you can easily add food coloring to this recipe. Ingredients
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1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
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3 packages unflavored gelatin
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1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
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Powdered sugar, to coat
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1 cup light corn syrup
Instructions
4. With an electric whisk on low speed, slowly whisk syrup into gelatin mixture. Switch speed to high and whip for 15 minutes, until very thick. Fold in vanilla after whipping. 5. Dust a nonmetal baking dish with powdered sugar and spoon mixture into dish. Smooth mixture, top with more powdered sugar, and let stand uncovered overnight.
1. In a mixing bowl, combine gelatin and 1/2 cup cold water. Let sit while you make the syrup. 2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup water until the sugar dissolves. 3. Raise heat to high and bring syrup up to 240 F, using a candy thermometer to check for temperature.
6. Cut into squares, decorate, and serve.
Inspired by foodnetwork.com
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