Something to ponder.....

Is there any such thing as a “minor” criminal charge?

 

Any attorney who spends time in courts that handle “minor” criminal charges will tell you that the vast majority of defendants are there without legal representation.  Often the attitude of these people is that this is really no big deal, and that they plan on handling the charge on their own.

 

Regardless of the criminal charge, it is important to have legal counsel.  A criminal conviction, whether DUI, assault, theft, reckless driving, etc., can remain on your record for the rest of your life.  This kind of conviction can prevent you from getting into the school you want, getting the job you need, and can cost you a significant increase in insurance premiums.  It is a big deal, and ignoring the issue or treating it as a minor inconvenience can be a mistake that can last a many years.

 

Another aspect of this issue is the likely hood that once a person has one conviction, they are more inclined to suffer future convictions.  I may seem too many that the immediate impact of a criminal conviction is fairly minor, but as they accrue the penalties increase. 

 

Even if you can’t afford to hire an attorney, there are often free criminal defense attorneys available for folks with low incomes.  I’ve heard defendants ridicule the public defender, but they work hard for their clients and often know that particular court far better than any private attorney.

 

A well qualified attorney can often obtain a result that keeps the charge off your record.  The best way to ensure a positive result is to have someone represent you that knows the court and has experience with your criminal charge.  At a minimum, you can usually get a free consultation with an experienced attorney in your area.   The more you know, the better the change of getting a positive outcome.