One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: The Long-Lasting Effects of Convictions

The frustrating feeling of taking one step forward and two back is a familiar sentiment of those who have made past mistakes that led to arrests and convictions. This is even more true when someone has chosen to turn their lives around as a result but still seems to be suffering the consequences of wrong decisions well in the past.

Often, when someone is charged with a crime and then convicted, the stain of that conviction can go well beyond any time spent in jail and any money that seemed impossible to come up with at the time. For this reason, it is critical to fight charges when facing them. To ensure the best outcome for your case, ask for professional help from an experienced criminal defense attorney. They will work diligently so that any charges are as minimal as possible, so the blemish lasts as little time as possible.

Why Is Having a Lawyer So Critical?

Ideally, avoiding any conviction is ideal. Even a misdemeanor can tarnish your record and make life much more complicated than it would be otherwise. Seeking the best legal counsel available is a way not to leave anything on the table when fighting charges against you. It might not seem significant, but simply having felony charges dropped to misdemeanors can be substantial when trying to find housing, employment, and wanting to move on with life. An excellent criminal defense lawyer will fight for reduced charges and dismissal whenever possible. Find an attorney with years of experience, compassion, and understanding for those trying to keep their lives on track. These professionals know how damaging and difficult it can be if convicted. You also want the best legal representation available who will fight like a bulldog on your side – unrelentingly looking at evidence and facts and witnesses to ensure your case is presented in the best light possible.

When Alcohol and Drugs are Involved

There are many times when someone is arrested and faces charges because of their decisions while under the influence. Even if someone does not spend time in jail, they will face hefty fines if they are convicted. A criminal defense attorney is needed to get charges and penalties reduced in exchange for an agreement to attend rehabilitation courses and meetings. Of course, the court will ask for proof of attendance, but this can be helpful in the short term to help minimize the disruption to day-to-day life initially after arrest.

Especially for first-time offenders, often, the traumatic experience results in choosing sobriety and living a life that does not conflict with the law. Many people realize the error of their decisions that led to arrest and want to change their lives for the better. Unfortunately, even when someone becomes sober and begins to make better decisions, it can still seem like a challenge to overcome bad choices from long ago. If money is owed on a personal level or borrowed property can't be returned because damaged or destroyed, this can cause personal conflict in relationships and have long-lasting effects.

Therefore, calling a reputable and excellent criminal defense attorney immediately after arrest is vital to ending up with the minimum possible charges and even dismissal in some cases. Please, do everything possible on the front end so the results are favorable and minimally impact the future.

Expungements May Offer Some Relief

States all have expungement processes, and even though the paperwork to be filed can be done individually, it is better to have someone with experience help make sure everything is done correctly and submitted on time. Although not everyone is not eligible for expungements, a defense lawyer will be able to hear the details of your case and offer eligibility and advice moving forward. If you are in San Diego County, Joni Eisenstein has helped clients for almost 30 years successfully fight charges and filing for expungements that were granted. Her offices offer a free one-hour consultation, so call if you need legal advice and help!

If an expungement is granted, it will be off the public record, making it easier to find housing and employment. However, an expungement does not mean permanent deletion of your criminal record but can make some aspects of moving on with life more manageable. An expungement will also not delete any information from the internet – the internet and social media can be a challenge on their own. Advice is to keep details of your situation and case private from social media, where they can be leaked and blasted, prolonging the lasting effects.

Remember, we all make mistakes. Many people learn from their mistakes and try to rectify their wrongs. If you are someone who has been arrested and is facing criminal charges, do not try to go about this alone. Hire a professional who can help immediately and allow yourself the best possible outcome for your case and your future.