My son has been convicted of aggravated robbery. For

He doesn't have to ever go to trial If he doesn't take the plea on the 15th, the current offer may go off the table. That may cost him time if he decides later on that he really doesn't want a trial. The choice is his.

Sometimes, by holding out longer, a plea offer can actually get better. Other times, he will add years to his sentence. His lawyer will give him a good idea of how firm the prosecutor is and whether this current plea is really the best offer he's going to get and whether it will really go away on the 15th.

All criminal defendants have to choose between taking a plea or going to trial. If he did not commit this crime, then trial is the only way to clear his name. If he did commit it, then he can expect that the state will probably be able to prove it. If they do, he will do much more time than if he takes the 12 years with 5 suspended. I'm sure his lawyer has told him what that worst case scenario could be. The choice is your son's and not his lawyer's. But if he is afraid to go to trial on the case, he needs to make sure from his lawyer that the 12 years with 5 suspended is the very best plea offer he's going to get.

Just checking in to see if you need more help or any clarification of my answer. If so, please reply here on this question thread.