Those accused of serious criminal charges, including murder, should seek to understand their rights and obligations under the law. A felony charge can result in severe penalties, including years of incarceration, and defendants must understand their options for reaching a plea agreement or fighting the charges with a well-rounded defense. Everyone deserves a fair trial under the law.

A 42-year-old Seattle man now faces charges of killing his 69-year-old mother. The King County prosecutor's office alleges that the man stabbed his mother to death in her apartment. The man is believed to have forced his way into the room and used a knife from his mother's kitchen in the assault. It is believed that the mother originally denied him entry to the apartment.

The son called police after the incident and admitted to having committed the act. He was arrested on first-degree murder charges and bail was set at $2 million. The son will face arraignment on Nov. 29. He remains in custody.

Even though a person may confess to a crime, they may still enter a plea with the courts. A plea agreement prevents the hassle, cost and potential harsh penalties that arise from a standard courtroom trial and sentencing. Understanding the evidence arrayed against a defendant and the events in question are the first steps toward deciding whether a plea or court defense is the best option.

Source: The Olympian, "Son charged with killing 69-year-old mother in WA," Nov. 16, 2012