On January 21, 2009, Bobby Joe Springfield admitted in court documents that he broke into a building owned by Larry McClendon in Dallas County, Texas, and willfully burglarized the premises. Why did Bobby Springfield admit this in a court document when he originally entered a plea of not guilty when first brought to court?



According to records from Dallas County court, Bobby Joe Springfield broke into a building that was owned by Larry McClendon and burglarized the premises on December 16, 2007. He was indicted on state felony charges for this action and had several court hearings that amounted to status on the case. This gives both the prosecutor and defense attorney time to prepare their cases.

In cases where there was a non-violent crime, a plea bargain is often struck between the prosecutor and the defense attorney. This is done to save the time and money it would cost the state to pursue a court conviction. In exchange for pleading guilty to the crime of criminal trespass, burglary, Bobby Joe Springfield received a lighter sentence. A much lighter sentence, as it turns out. Bobby Springfield went from what could have amounted to a two year prison term, $10,000 fine and felony conviction to receive six months supervision and a $300 fine for a misdemeanor conviction. As a result, Bobby Joe Springfield is not a convicted felon. A convicted felon, in most states, loses many privileges, including the right to vote, after he or she has been convicted, regardless of whether they are in or out of prison.

The question is that if Bobby Joe Springfield said he did not commit the criminal trespass, burglary in original court documents, why did he change his mind and plead guilty? The answer appears to be obvious, to get a reduced sentence. While some innocent people, for fear of being convicted, opt for a plea bargain, most of those who cop a plea for their crimes are guilty as charged and are afraid of being judged by a jury of their peers. This appears to be the case with Bobby Springfield.

Another question is if he will do it again? Will Bobby Joe Springfield decide to burglarize property again? Studies indicate that a vast majority of criminals will repeat a crime. This may or may not be the case with Bobby Springfield. He may be sorry for what he did, but as most people who commit crimes against others or property, such as criminal trespass and burglary, do not appear to have the conscience of those who would not think of doing such things, it is likely that he will commit another crime. However, this is not certain. Some people undergo a substantial change in their behavior and attitude when faced with a prison term and never get in trouble again.

The court documents do not indicate the age or past background of Bobby Joe Springfield. If he is young and this is his first offense, he might learn a lesson. If he is older and has been in trouble before with the law, chances are great that Bobby Springfield will commit criminal trespass and burglary again.