5 Things to Know Before Accepting a Plea Deal

By adminBlog

This article reveals what you need to know before taking a plea deal — and how it could impact your future.

⚠️ Disclaimer: We are not lawyers, doctors, or licensed mental health professionals. The information in this article is based on personal experience and is intended for general guidance, education, and empowerment. It is not a substitute for professional legal, medical, or psychological advice. Please consult qualified professionals for support specific to your situation.

Introduction

Unbroken Smile was born out of a nightmare: After calling 911 for help, Brittany Chrishawn was assaulted by police officers, suffering broken teeth, permanent nerve damage, and a false arrest that nearly cost her a decade of freedom. But she fought back — and won.

The Unbroken Smile movement and forthcoming documentary are rooted in resilience, exposure, and transformation. This blog series shares key lessons Brittany learned so others can better navigate — and survive — the justice system.

5 Things to Know Before Accepting a Plea Deal

1. You Likely Won’t Get Access to Evidence
If you accept a plea deal, you may never see critical evidence that could prove your innocence. In Brittany’s case, the body camera footage that helped exonerate her would have been withheld had she taken the plea.

⚖️ Key Insight: Demand access to all discovery materials before you even consider a deal. Once you plead, you give up your right to access that evidence.

2. Pleading Guilty Can Ruin Your Future — Forever
Even if you’re promised a lighter sentence, a guilty plea can haunt you forever. Expunged or sealed records are not truly invisible — they can resurface in background checks or be used against you in future legal matters.

🚨 Warning: A plea deal is still a guilty plea. It can affect employment, housing, custody rights, and your ability to file lawsuits later. Don’t trade your future for short-term relief.

3. Your Lawyer Might Be Closer to the Prosecutor Than You Think
Brittany cycled through multiple attorneys, many of whom had close personal ties to prosecutors and police — lunches, golf outings, and even parties together. This conflict of interest made it clear they weren’t working in her best interest.

📌 Reminder: You are the boss. If your lawyer pressures you into a plea deal, find someone who will actually fight for you.

4. Mental Health Court is Still a Guilty Plea
Brittany was pressured to claim mental illness and enter mental health court. But doing so would mean agreeing she was unstable — something that could follow her forever, even if it resulted in a lighter sentence.

🧠 Consider This: If you’re not mentally ill, don’t accept a deal that labels you as such. That label could impact your future in ways you can’t undo.

5. A Plea Deal Could Destroy Your Chances of Filing a Civil Lawsuit
If you plead guilty, it becomes incredibly difficult to sue the system for wrongdoing. Brittany’s decision to fight — and not plead guilty — kept her options open for legal accountability later.

🔍 Takeaway: Want to sue for police misconduct or false arrest? A guilty plea may take that right away.

Final Thoughts

Taking a plea deal might seem like the easiest path, but it can come with life-altering consequences. If you’re innocent — or unsure — fight for your rights before signing anything.

The upcoming Unbroken Smile documentary will go even deeper into Brittany’s story and the plea deals she was pressured to accept.

👉 Subscribe at UnbrokenSmile.com/subscribe to receive:

They broke her teeth. But they couldn’t break her smile. Discover more about Brittany Chrishawn at: https://brittanychrishawn.com