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Why Having Experienced Legal Counsel Matters for First-Time Offenders
It’s a common misconception that your first criminal offense doesn’t count or that you won’t be sentenced to any serious jail time or penalties. You may have even heard from friends and family that “it’s not a big deal,” “you can get the charges dropped,” or “first-time offenders don’t get jail time.” But they’re wrong. Criminal charges are always a big deal, getting charges dropped or reduced is never guaranteed, and many first-time offenders face mandatory minimum sentences, including multi-year prison terms if convicted. When you’re up against the Ohio criminal justice system, whether you’re facing a DUI or a felony, you need a legal team that is willing to fight for your rights and freedom — and that’s HMW Law.
Facing Criminal Charges as a First-Time Offender
It’s scary anytime you are arrested and charged with a crime, but the first time can be especially overwhelming. When you don’t understand how the criminal justice system works, you could inadvertently hurt your case when you think all you’re doing is cooperating with the investigators. It’s common for first-time offenders to offer a confession because they think it will mean a lighter sentence or that they won’t face harsh sentencing.
First-time offenders may also not understand all of their options or what to expect from the process, such as arraignment or the bail hearing. When you don’t know what’s going on or what the next steps are, it’s easy to miss out on opportunities to present a stronger defense and protect your rights.
It’s also common for those who are being arrested for the first time to underestimate the prosecution. Ohio prosecutors take criminal charges seriously, and they can and do prosecute even first-time offenders to the full extent of the law. First-time offenders can still face harsh penalties, including time in prison, and a prosecutor is under no obligation to work out a deal or provide a first-time offender with any special treatment.
Benefits of Hiring a Defense Attorney
If the only exposure you’ve had to the criminal justice system in Ohio is what you see on TV crime shows, you may think that it’s not a big deal to be arrested for the first time and that you don’t need an attorney. But these shows are highly inaccurate — and made purely for entertainment value — and you could do serious harm to your case and your future if you don’t secure experienced legal representation. Here are just some of the benefits of hiring a defense attorney to represent you as a first-time offender in Ohio.
Legal Counsel and Representation
You don’t know what you don’t know. But what you don’t know could make a big difference in your case. The legal system is complex, and attorneys go through years of study and hands-on experience to be able to successfully defend clients. They have in-depth knowledge of Ohio’s criminal codes and what processes must be followed to preserve defendants’ rights. When you hire a criminal defense attorney to represent you, you get the advantage of all of those years of education and experience focused on your case and your future.
Potential for a Reduced Sentence or Alternative Sentencing Options
Every criminal defense case is different, and an attorney is able to evaluate which defense strategy is best depending on the circumstances of the case. They are also aware of all of the different options that may be available to first-time offenders, depending on the nature of the charge. For example, first-time offenders may be able to plead guilty to a lesser charge, be eligible for a reduced sentence, or qualify for alternative sentencing options, such as a probation-only sentence, a substance abuse rehabilitation program, or a diversion program.
Step-by-Step Guidance Through the Criminal Justice Process
The criminal justice system in Ohio has a lot of steps and parts, and it’s confusing even for those who aren’t first-time offenders. But when you hire a criminal defense attorney, such as the team at HMW Law, you get someone who can guide you through the process step by step. This includes educating you on your rights, informing you of your defense options, and ensuring that you know what to expect and what happens next every step of the way.
A criminal defense attorney is there while you answer investigators’ questions to ensure that you don’t accidentally incriminate yourself or that the investigators don’t impede on your rights. They are there before and during arraignment to help you decide what plea to enter and to help you get bail so you can get home to your family as quickly as possible. They can negotiate with the prosecution, and if the case goes to trial, they work tirelessly to find, preserve, and present evidence to show that there is reasonable doubt of your guilt.
Get Personalized Legal Representation When You Work With HMW Law
When you’re facing criminal charges in Ohio, you need an attorney who will fight for you — and that’s exactly what we do at HMW Law.
We understand how scary it can be to face the loss of your freedom and how much a conviction can impact your future. We’re here to ensure that each and every one of our clients gets the legal representation they need to fight their charges.
If you’ve been arrested and charged for the first time, you need to call HMW Law at 216-369-1352 today. Our criminal defense attorneys are here to help defendants in Cleveland and greater Cuyahoga County fight back against criminal charges.
