if the prosecution has an air-tight case and you know you are innocent it would behoove you to consider a guilty plea depending on the prosecution's offer.

like if they offer a reduced charge which involves a much lighter sentence than the one you'd face after a trial loss (where the loss is all but guaranteed) you'd be silly to fight just b/c of your 'reputation'. unless you're fine w/serving 5 yrs in prison where you could've walked away w/either less than a year in the county jail or maybe no jail at all but some probation.

there are too many variables involved in the real life cases to stand firm on that idea that you would not ever admit to doing som'n you didn't do. i understand that idea in the abstract though. but in the real world it's usually not the best solution.