2. Understand what can happen if you plead guilty

When you plead guilty, you're:

• agreeing that you committed the crime
• giving up the right to a trial and to have the Crown prove the charges against you beyond a reasonable doubt
• saying that you know what can happen when you plead guilty, including going to jail and getting a criminal record

If the judge thinks you don't understand these things, they can refuse to accept your guilty plea. If this happens, the court will adjourn your case so you can speak with your lawyer or duty counsel.

If your guilty plea is accepted, the judge finds you guilty. Your lawyer and the Crown will suggest a sentence. But the judge doesn't have to give you that sentence. The judge decides your sentence based on what they think is appropriate and reasonable.