If a client denies guilt but wants to plead guilty, which approach is correct?

• A. Be sure to always urge the client to plead guilty to minimize risk
• B. Generally advise a defendant not to plead guilty unless they committed the offence charged, and seek to ascertain the client's reasons if they insist
• C. Inform the client that a guilty plea guarantees acquittal
• D. Never advise a client on whether to plead guilty

Answer: (B)

When a client denies guilt but wants to plead guilty, the priority is to ensure the decision is informed and voluntary. The best approach is to generally advise not to plead guilty unless the client actually committed the offence charged, and to seek to understand the client's reasons if they insist. This respects the client’s position and avoids pressuring them into an admission of guilt. It also gives you a clear opportunity to lay out what a guilty plea would mean—admitting guilt, the potential sentence outcome, and how it might affect future options—so the client can weigh the real consequences. If the client continues to insist on pleading guilty, you should explore their reasons—for example whether they see a beneficial plea bargain, whether they believe there is a factual basis, or whether they prefer to resolve the matter quickly. Your role is to provide honest, thorough guidance and ensure the plea is voluntary and based on an informed understanding of the evidence and consequences. This approach aligns with acting in the client’s best interests and maintaining the integrity of the process.