FIRST TIME OFFENDERS
First Time Offenders are undergoing one of the most stressful times of their life. After your first arrest you may suffer from anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, and fear the future outcome of your situation.
You may have the following questions that an experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to answer:
The Hobson Law Firm understands that you are going through one of the most difficult times of your life. For that reason, we are dedicated to making you feel as comfortable as possible and giving you the personal attention that you deserve. Most importantly, our firm has 25 years of expertise that could result in a favorable solution to your current problem.
Prompt pre-filing Intervention with the State is imperative for first time offenders. If you have been arrested it does not mean that the State will file a formal charge against you. At times, early intervention by your lawyer in providing the State with your side of the story, or the names of your witnesses can be effective. This pre-filing effort could make a difference in the decision on whether to file a formal charge, file a lesser offense, or decline to prosecute you at all. Being a First Time Offender may put a positive slant on these efforts. Why not take advantage of the fact that you have no previous interaction with the criminal justice system?
You may be eligible to have the charge dismissed through a Diversion program. With little or no prior criminal record, you may be eligible to enter into a diversion program these programs are typically available to clients accused of a first offense of a third degree felony or a misdemeanor. If you enter a diversion program, usually you will not be required to attend court. However, as a condition of the diversion program you will be required to complete certain agreed-upon requirements. You will, of course, promise not to be arrested for a new offense throughout the duration of the program. Upon successful completion of the program, your charges will be dismissed. As a result, you can state that you have never been convicted of a crime.
If you have been charged with a drug possession crime or an offense that is directly related to an addiction issue, the adult drug county may be a viable option for you. Drug court is a county-supervised treatment program for non-violent offenders. It is a result of a community partnership forged between the Sixth Judicial Circuit, the State Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, the County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Corrections, local law enforcement, community substance abuse providers, and concerned citizens. Adult drug county supervision can begin in two ways:
If you successfully complete drug counseling as a condition of probation, you will receive a withhold of adjudication. A withhold of adjudication avoids a formal conviction. If you enter drug county through a diversion program, your charges will be dismissed upon successful completion of the program. By entering drug court, you can avoid both jail time and a formal conviction.
During plea bargain negotiations with the State, I can emphasize your clean record and argue that you are therefore worthy of leniency. For example, a withholding of adjudication may be negotiated between the State, your Attorney, and the Judge. This agreed upon outcome may result in a sentence and/or probation, but not a conviction.
A structured plea bargain can prevent your employment and future from being jeopardized, extending the time to meet county imposed financial obligations, and possibly avoiding formal conviction.
An experienced State Attorney will be assigned to your case tasked with the objective to seek justice in juxtaposition with appropriate punishment. Many first time offenders wrongly assume that the State will agree to a reduction of the charge or request a lenient sentence from the court, only to be shocked when the State seeks a conviction, probation, or even jail time. The perils of speaking on your own behalf in court are illustrated by the old axiom that a man who represents himself has a fool for a client. Even skilled and experienced attorneys who find themselves accused of a crime will usually decline to represent themselves. They recognize the true value of having an advocate who is more familiar with the local judicial system to defend their best interests.
Many first time offenders are under the false impression that they can take advantage of the services of a free lawyer from the Public Defender’s Office. In reality, the services of the Public Defender are restricted to people who have an income that is below the poverty level. In addition, the services of the Public Defender are not free. The outcomes in criminal cases handled by court-appointed attorneys can often be inferior to those secured by private counsel. Consider the advantages of a private attorney versus the public defender.
The results of your court hearing are something that you will be forced to reflect upon for the rest of your life. Even the decision on whether to plead guilty or no contest can have far-reaching consequences. Appealing an undesired outcome or mistake caused by your inexperience or lack of specialized legal training can be an expensive and time-consuming process. Likewise, the results of any appeal are uncertain at best. For that reason, getting it right the first time is vital.
Do not rely solely on the advice of a family member or friend who binge watches Law and Order. Call The Hobson Law Firm to schedule a free consultation. We are a criminal defense law firm experienced in helping persons charged with a criminal offense. We encourage you to meet with our firm so that we can learn what issues are important to you and further investigate the facts of your case and ask some important questions:
Jointly, we can adapt a strategy that is focused on achieving the best possible outcome for you.
You may have the following questions that an experienced criminal defense attorney will be able to answer:
- Will this incident be in the newspaper & what will my friends and family think?
- What are the possible consequences or penalties that I am facing?
- Will I have to go to county?
- Would I have to answer questions from the judge?
- How long will my case take to resolve?
- What are the ramifications of my arrest and how could it affect my future?
- Are there any programs that provide leniency for first-time offenders?
- Is there a possibility I could go back to jail?
- Will I have a criminal record?
- Can I seal or expunge my records?
The Hobson Law Firm understands that you are going through one of the most difficult times of your life. For that reason, we are dedicated to making you feel as comfortable as possible and giving you the personal attention that you deserve. Most importantly, our firm has 25 years of expertise that could result in a favorable solution to your current problem.
Prompt pre-filing Intervention with the State is imperative for first time offenders. If you have been arrested it does not mean that the State will file a formal charge against you. At times, early intervention by your lawyer in providing the State with your side of the story, or the names of your witnesses can be effective. This pre-filing effort could make a difference in the decision on whether to file a formal charge, file a lesser offense, or decline to prosecute you at all. Being a First Time Offender may put a positive slant on these efforts. Why not take advantage of the fact that you have no previous interaction with the criminal justice system?
You may be eligible to have the charge dismissed through a Diversion program. With little or no prior criminal record, you may be eligible to enter into a diversion program these programs are typically available to clients accused of a first offense of a third degree felony or a misdemeanor. If you enter a diversion program, usually you will not be required to attend court. However, as a condition of the diversion program you will be required to complete certain agreed-upon requirements. You will, of course, promise not to be arrested for a new offense throughout the duration of the program. Upon successful completion of the program, your charges will be dismissed. As a result, you can state that you have never been convicted of a crime.
If you have been charged with a drug possession crime or an offense that is directly related to an addiction issue, the adult drug county may be a viable option for you. Drug court is a county-supervised treatment program for non-violent offenders. It is a result of a community partnership forged between the Sixth Judicial Circuit, the State Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, the County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Corrections, local law enforcement, community substance abuse providers, and concerned citizens. Adult drug county supervision can begin in two ways:
- As part of a probation requirement; OR
- Through entry into a Diversion Program.
If you successfully complete drug counseling as a condition of probation, you will receive a withhold of adjudication. A withhold of adjudication avoids a formal conviction. If you enter drug county through a diversion program, your charges will be dismissed upon successful completion of the program. By entering drug court, you can avoid both jail time and a formal conviction.
During plea bargain negotiations with the State, I can emphasize your clean record and argue that you are therefore worthy of leniency. For example, a withholding of adjudication may be negotiated between the State, your Attorney, and the Judge. This agreed upon outcome may result in a sentence and/or probation, but not a conviction.
A structured plea bargain can prevent your employment and future from being jeopardized, extending the time to meet county imposed financial obligations, and possibly avoiding formal conviction.
An experienced State Attorney will be assigned to your case tasked with the objective to seek justice in juxtaposition with appropriate punishment. Many first time offenders wrongly assume that the State will agree to a reduction of the charge or request a lenient sentence from the court, only to be shocked when the State seeks a conviction, probation, or even jail time. The perils of speaking on your own behalf in court are illustrated by the old axiom that a man who represents himself has a fool for a client. Even skilled and experienced attorneys who find themselves accused of a crime will usually decline to represent themselves. They recognize the true value of having an advocate who is more familiar with the local judicial system to defend their best interests.
Many first time offenders are under the false impression that they can take advantage of the services of a free lawyer from the Public Defender’s Office. In reality, the services of the Public Defender are restricted to people who have an income that is below the poverty level. In addition, the services of the Public Defender are not free. The outcomes in criminal cases handled by court-appointed attorneys can often be inferior to those secured by private counsel. Consider the advantages of a private attorney versus the public defender.
The results of your court hearing are something that you will be forced to reflect upon for the rest of your life. Even the decision on whether to plead guilty or no contest can have far-reaching consequences. Appealing an undesired outcome or mistake caused by your inexperience or lack of specialized legal training can be an expensive and time-consuming process. Likewise, the results of any appeal are uncertain at best. For that reason, getting it right the first time is vital.
Do not rely solely on the advice of a family member or friend who binge watches Law and Order. Call The Hobson Law Firm to schedule a free consultation. We are a criminal defense law firm experienced in helping persons charged with a criminal offense. We encourage you to meet with our firm so that we can learn what issues are important to you and further investigate the facts of your case and ask some important questions:
- Is this your first encounter with the criminal justice system?
- Do you have little or no prior criminal record?
- Can your case be handled without you having to appear in court?
- Is your case a good candidate for pre-filing intervention that may avert formal charges?
- Are you eligible for a diversion program that results in a dismissal of the charge?
- Can your case be resolved to avoid formal conviction?
- Can your record of arrest be sealed or expunged?
Jointly, we can adapt a strategy that is focused on achieving the best possible outcome for you.