Finding yourself in a situation where you need the services of a criminal defense attorney can be one of the most stressful and difficult times of anyone's life. If you're faced with the loss of your liberty, taking every step you can to make sure you end up with the best possible outcome is absolutely essential.
Below, you'll find a guide to some questions that you should be sure to ask your criminal defense attorney. Making sure that you absorb the most information possible is the best way to be an engaged and active participant in your defense, and can help guarantee that you build a strong relationship with your attorney based on trust and honesty.
Ask About Pretrial Treatment
In many cases, the commission of a crime is the result of either mental illness or addiction. If you fall into one of those categories, it's likely that the court will be willing to pursue treatment alternatives to incarceration, especially for first time offenders. As such, it's important to seek the treatment you need to avoid a reoccurrence.
Your attorney will be able to recommend a course of action that will guarantee you receive the care you need while also improving your standing in the eyes of the court. Often times, a defendant who shows a commitment to treatment prior to a trial will be looked upon extremely favorably, and your lawyer can guide you in that direction.
Ask About Sentencing Alternatives
Many people who are involved in a criminal case are terrified at the thought of being sent to prison. You should take comfort, however, in the knowledge that some detention options can be served out in a much more comfortable environment.
For more minor offenses, solutions such as electronic home detention or work furlough can allow you to fulfill your obligations to the state while remaining in a more comfortable environment. Asking your lawyer about these possibilities can help you develop realistic expectations and work toward an easier solution.
Ask About Strategy
The best thing you can do to be engaged in your case is be willing to follow your lawyer's strategy. As the case evolves and facts begin to fill in the picture, your attorney will work toward a strategy designed to maximize your liberty and find the best possible result. By asking about that strategy, you can allow yourself to more fully committed to it. This will let you and your lawyer form a cohesive unit that will smoothly work together to guarantee your freedom. Contact an attorney, like Robert E Long & Associates Ltd, for more information.
