Being charged with a criminal offense can be a life-altering event. Having a criminal defense lawyer stand up for your freedom and your rights is essential to walking away from the charges. But, simply walking away from the charges once the case is resolved does not mean that the lingering aftermath automatically disappears as well.
This does not mean your life cannot return to normal or improve. People who make the most of a bad situation are willing to learn, evolve, and grow. Here are some tips for taking your life back following a criminal charge.
Acceptance is Key
Whether you committed the crime you were charged with or not will undoubtedly influence how you feel about the outcome of your case. You might experience a variety of emotions, from guilt to sadness, anger to frustration. All of the feelings you are experiencing are valid.
If you feel gnawing guilt about participating in a crime and how it impacted your family, it is best to deal with that head-on. Acceptance and a commitment to righting your wrongs and doing better in the future can allow you the freedom to make better choices and to improve your life and that of those who love you as well.
Changing the past is impossible. So, focusing on it will do little to improve your present or your future. Instead, focus your energy on making choices that are healthy and will propel you into a new and improved future.
It is Important to Seek Help
No matter the resolution of the charges against you, you will likely have a lot of emotions after a criminal case. It is essential that you sort out those feelings in a healthy way. Your personal relationships and more specialized, professional ones can support you.
Speak to your criminal defense attorney about resources they might be able to suggest. Some of the following can help rebuild your life after a criminal charge:
- Support groups
- Counselors
- Doctors
- Friends and family
- Self-help books
- Employment and educational opportunities
Be Aware and Informed of the Ways Your Life May Have Changed
Having your eyes open and developing an awareness of how your life has changed since the charges can be helpful when determining the steps it will take to move forward. Being realistic about the limitations that the charges have created can help you develop strategies and expectations that can be helpful.
If you have been convicted of a crime, your life can be impacted in many ways. A few of these are listed here:
- You may not be allowed to carry a firearm.
- Child custody agreements can become far more complicated.
- Securing housing may become more difficult.
- If convicted of a sex crime, you will have to register as a sex offender. This means following all of the rules that apply to that as well.
- Your personal relationships may be negatively impacted.
- Finding a job might be more difficult.
- You could lose educational opportunities.
- Your professional license might be revoked or suspended.
Understanding these possible obstacles and realistically knowing what you are dealing with can make it easier to plan for the headaches and the possible stumbling blocks you might face. The more informed you are, the better.
Your Attorney Can Possibly Help
Once your case is settled, you will still want to maintain your relationship with your criminal defense lawyer. When cases are dismissed, they can file complaints on your behalf if your rights were violated throughout the process.
After a conviction, your criminal defense attorney can help you to expunge your criminal record if that is a possibility. When eligible, this is an effective way to ensure a clear record so that you do not have to deal with the adverse effects of having a criminal conviction. Speak to your attorney to determine whether you are eligible.
If you are, this can be a super way to reboot your life.
Relationships Matter
Carefully consider the people in your life. That old saying, “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you who you are,” holds a lot of truth. You will take up the habits, morals, and choices of the people you spend the most time with, so choose wisely.
If the people you spent time with before your criminal case were involved in crime, you should consider avoiding them now that you are looking for a fresh start. If you are on parole, you may be forbidden from spending time with them anyway. Lean into that excuse if you need one to avoid those people.
Think about the people who are positive influences and spend your energy on those relationships. You may have trust to rebuild and amends to make. It is far better to spend your time and energy on people who support a positive lifestyle than on those who will not. Your relationships should not compromise your freedom.
Contact Us Today
If you are rebuilding your life after a criminal charge or facing charges now, reach out to Wruble Law LLC today. We can offer you legal advice, help expunging your record, and resources to help you get your life back on track. We are here to help. Contact us today.