Thanks a lot, I guess I understand the phrase, but I don't know how to understand the sentence, to see the relation between plead guilty and put on probation. Can you tell me more?
OK, the person is guilty. He wants to plead not guilty. The lawyer says, "No, you should plead guilty; if you do, the judge will be more lenient in sentencing you."
The prisoner responds, "But if I plead not guilty, I might get off completely. You want me to incriminate myself, and be sent to jail!"
Lawyer: "Look, the jury is going to find you guilty anyway. The prosecution has a water-tight case. Plead guilty and throw yourself onto the mercy of the court. If you plead not guilty, and make the jurors and the judge sit through a lengthy trial, you'll probably get the maximum penalty!"
"Gee, I don't know. This is causing me a lot of consternation," says the prisoner.
"Trust me", says the lawyer.
Well, after all the angst, and not knowing what to do, the prisoner pleads guilty, and all his fears of going to jail were unfounded. He only got parole.
Now, does he sit around moaning about what could have happened? Does he blame his lawyer for putting him through all that turmoil?
No; it ended well, so all's well.