I am charged with a crime. Now what?
Written by J. Alan Davis
You just got arrested. You either posted bond or are sitting in a jail cell, thinking now what? When will I get released? When will I see a judge? Am I going away for a long time? How will I explain this to my family and friends? Is my life over? Getting arrested and charged with a crime is probably one the most, if not the most, stressful thing that can happen to you, and the consequences can be far reaching, affecting anything and everything from employment to where you can live. A criminal record can affect all of these things, and many others you may not have even thought of.
That being said, even if you are convicted of a crime, it is still very possible to live a normal life, many times, the same life you had before. There are many new options available for first-time offenders charged with less serious crimes as Colorado begins to shift towards “Restorative Justice.” Restorative justice is a collaborative approach to criminal acts that focuses on the harm caused by the crime, rather than punishing the individual who committed it. Sometimes, your case can be dismissed if you agree to voluntarily agree to participate in the program. Each program is unique and catered to the individual, but sometimes they may require things like anger management, substance abuse treatment, and apologizing to those that were negatively affected by your actions. If you are not approved for restorative justice, you still may be able to negotiate a deferred judgement, meaning you would spend some time on probation, and if you are successful, the case against you would be dismissed. However, it is important to consult with a skilled criminal defense attorney before deciding to go over these options and the potential outcomes of both.
There are also times when restorative justice just may not be available or offered to you. It is even more important to speak with a defense attorney if this is the case. They will be able to go over the facts of your case, the pros and cons of taking a plea offer or going to trial and discuss all the outside consequences that occur outside of the courtroom. If a deal cannot be made with the district attorney, an experienced defense attorney will be able to put together the best possible fight you have at trial.
Now what? When will I get released? When will I see a judge? Am I going away for a long time? How will I explain this to my family and friends? Is my life over? These are all burning questions that everyone charged with a crime must face, questions that a criminal defense attorney can answer. Here at Chariot Law, we have over 20-years experience fighting criminal charges in the courtroom and can answer all of these questions and more. We strive to get the best possible outcomes based on the provable facts presented, whether that be through determined plea negotiations or aggressively fighting for you at trial.