How to Handle a First-Time Criminal Charge
Is this your first time being charged with a crime? Is there anything you can do to ease the stress and win the case? Read tips here.
Are you suspected of being involved in a criminal offense? What lies ahead is intimidatingfor most first-timers in the criminal justice system, and many will have questions like:
- Are there alternatives to jail time, and can I continue to work?
- Does an arrest automatically mean that I’m guilty; or can I fight charges?
- Is going to court mandatory, or can I quietly accept a plea bargain?
- What am I up against? Jail time, fines, job loss?
- What’s the timeline to get over the case?
- Will an arrest become public knowledge among friends, family or foes?
- Will this stay on my record indefinitely?
These are all good questions, and there’s no correct answer – as each case is different.
Still, there are steps defendants can take to influence a better outcome – but let’s firsttake a look at what it means to have a criminal charge:
Handling the Criminal Charge
Experts advise on acquainting first-timers with the following:
- The Consequences of the Offense – review Virginia criminal codes for the minimum mandatory sentencing of the related crime. As an illustration: A DWI charge may result in license suspension for up to one year if it’s your first offense. Failing to observe the rules may result in even greater penalties.
- The Court Date – missing an initial court appearance can leave you facing additional criminal charges, including being in contempt of court or failure to appear. The court may issue a bench warrant or repeal bonds.
- Get A Lawyer – study after study reveals: working with a criminal defense lawyer increases your chances of reduced sentencing.
- The First-Time Offender Program – one of the top leverages that first-time offenders have is a diversion program that may be available for minor offenses. Some examples include driving under the influence, simple drug possession or juvenile crimes.
In Virginia, diversion programs are also labelled Suspended Imposition of Sentence, where defendants may avoid jail time, retain driving privileges, and/or continue to work as a few examples.
- Get An Expungement – If there were no convictions made, defendants can request an expungement of their criminal record, so that charges do not appear on future background checks.
How to Maintain Innocence
A criminal charge isn’t a conviction. In the event that defendants are innocent of accusations, then he or she should proceed to gather and present as much evidence to a defense attorney; exercise their right to remain silent; and fight these charges in court.
