The case of convicted South Side robber Pedro Cabrera illustrates the importance of choosing one's words wisely when speaking with a judge, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times. Mr. Cabrera's case also drives home the importance of listening to your Illinois criminal attorney when he advises you how to act in court.
One simple but serious statement cost Mr. Cabrera 21 additional years in prison. Had he kept his mouth shut he would have been released a few days ago, according to the article.
Mr. Cabrera pleaded guilty in 2004 to robbing a husband and wife at knifepoint. Cook County Judge Leo Holt told four-time felon Mr. Cabrera the following, with regard to his relatively light sentence:
"You can't imagine how lucky you are. It boggles my mind."
But that's nothing compared to what happened next.
Mr. Cabrera then told the judge he was actually innocent. Judge Holt called off the proceedings and ordered a trial. Mr. Cabrera reportedly begged Judge Holt to reconsider, saying "I can't beat it at trial, sir." Plenty of criminal defendants use that defense strategy, but they typically have more sense than to show their cards to the judge.
Judge Holt didn't budge, expressing anger at Mr. Cabrera's antics:
"You don't have a right to cause me to disgrace myself and the criminal justice system by accepting a plea of guilty from you when you are, in fact, not guilty."
Perhaps his second mistake was opting for a bench trial before Judge Holt instead of a jury trial, since he was found guilty and sentenced to a staggering 27-year prison sentence. Mr. Cabrera's slip of the tongue ultimately means he won't be eligible for parole until 2013.
Judge Holt retired in 2004, according to the Sun-Times.
Related Resources:
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Plea Bargains (FindLaw)
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Slap-Happy: DA Suspended for Unusual Plea Agreement (FindLaw Legally Weird Blog)
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Chicago Criminal Attorney Directory (FindLaw)
