If you are facing a criminal charge, it is a serious matter, and it is important to understand the basics involved. Facing such a charge can leave you feeling overwhelmed, and you may be inclined to ignore the issue, but this approach is not going to do you any favors. Staying the course with an experienced criminal defense attorney in your corner is the best path forward.
Yes, You Must Appear in Court
If there is an order in place that requires you to appear in court, you must do so – or risk going to jail. Yes, court appearances can be stressful, but if you keep all of the following in mind, you will be ahead of the game:
Demonstrate your respect for the court by taking the time to look presentable. While you do not need to wear your Sunday best, you should have a clean, well-fitting, and well-kempt outfit on – with tidy hair and good personal grooming to boot.
Let your experienced criminal defense attorney do the talking for you (unless he or she advises you to do otherwise).
Carefully follow each and every one of the court’s orders.
Mind Your P’s and Q’s While on Bond
If you are released on bond prior to your hearing, there will be court-ordered terms of release involved, and it is in your best interest to follow them closely. If, for example, you are directed not to drink, you should not do so. Further, engaging in illegal activity in the interim – such as smoking marijuana, which remains illegal in the State of Texas – can land you back in jail for committing a crime while awaiting your trial date. Avoiding this scenario is always a good idea.
Paying the Fine and Moving On Is Not a Great Strategy
If you are facing a misdemeanor charge or traffic citation that you can take care of by simply paying the fines – and then forgetting about it – you may want to think about it a bit more carefully. Paying the fines is an admission of guilt, which means it can have lasting consequences for you moving forward. If the charge involves driving while intoxicated or another driving-related charge, for example, your car insurance rates can increase dramatically, and you are likely to experience points against your driver’s license, which increases the risk that your license will be suspended. Further, DWIs and other misdemeanors will show up on your criminal record, which can affect your ability to do all of the following:
Rent an apartment or obtain a loan to purchase a home
Obtain a school loan to further your education
Find a new job
Maintain your professional licensure
Reach Out to an Experienced Killeen Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Brett Pritchard at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas, is a well-respected criminal defense attorney who takes great pride in helping clients like you obtain favorable case resolutions. To learn more, please do not wait to contact us online or call us at (254) 781-4222 today.