Facing criminal charges is incredibly stressful. The criminal justice system is complicated and intimidating. Most charges carry the potential to seriously harm your future. Heavy fines, time behind bars and damage to your family, career and lifestyle are all possible outcomes of a criminal prosecution. One consequence that can come as a surprise is the attitudes of friends, neighbors and acquaintances. However, there is some evidence that those attitudes might be changing.
Punishment or Prevention
Appearing to be tough on crime is a common tactic used by politicians at election time. Showing mercy or concern for people accused of crime is not generally a good way to appeal to the public. For many decades, criminal penalties were increased and the number of people behind bars rose. The focus is on punishment, as anyone who is accused of a crime will discover.
If the focus was on prevention, more people would talk about making neighborhoods safe and prosperous, and fewer would talk about locking people up and throwing away the key.
A Survey Shows a Change Might Be Coming
A recent survey of potential voters suggests that a growing percentage of the population, particularly among young people, prefer solutions based on preventing crime, rather than just punishing it. The tough-on-crime crowd still has many proponents, but there may come a time when the population as a whole rejects so-called tough-on-crime policies that have failed to make the population healthier or safer.
Be Ready to Fight From the Beginning
A change might be coming, but it’s important to deal with the situation facing us now. If you’re charged with a crime, you can’t expect to be treated kindly by a system designed to punish you. Your rights and your future depend on the defense you can put forward in court. If you and your attorney are not prepared to fight, you’re putting yourself in a bad situation.
In some cases, a criminal accusation can be enough to cause you harm. Your reputation is at stake, and it can suffer needlessly even if you end up with a good result. You need a strong defense as soon as possible to minimize the consequences of your legal troubles. Acting quickly can help you in many cases, and it will never harm you. Speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as you realize you may be facing criminal charges.
Lee & Wood, LP Offers Strong Criminal Defense
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime, you need a skilled attorney. Call our Fort Worth lawyers today at 817-678-6771 to get started.