There are several reasons why signing a plea may not be in your best interest. For starters, you may not have committed the crime. The system is imperfect, and it is far too common for innocent individuals to be arrested. Why would you ever want to admit guilt for something you didn’t do? You wouldn’t.
Another reason you might say no is because you have a strong case. You may choose to proceed to trial to avoid having a criminal record. Because any plea bargain counts as a conviction and will follow you until it is expunged it is worthy of heavy consideration.
Lastly, you may turn down a plea bargain because you waive the remainder of your legal rights under the Constitution of the United States. Once you sign a plea bargain, you better be ready for the specifications outlined within it, because you’re basically stuck with it, no matter what.