When you are arrested and charged with a crime, the first thing you may worry about is whether or not you will go to jail. Unfortunately, there is no direct answer to this, as there are several factors that influence whether or not someone will be incarcerated for a crime. However, it’s important to know that working with an experienced attorney can help provide you with the best possible outcome to potentially avoid jail. The following blog explores what you should know about how sentencing is determined and the different methods your Houston criminal defense attorneys can use to fight to keep you out of jail.
What Factors Can Impact Sentencing?
It’s important to understand that the courts will take several factors revolving around your case into consideration when determining sentencing. Typically, the court will consider the following when determining how long to sentence someone convicted of a criminal offense:
- If the crime is a misdemeanor or felony
- If the crime involved a victim, whether or not they were injured
- If the crime involved a victim, whether or not they are considered vulnerable
- If the crime involved a victim, the impact it had on them
- Your background and character
- Whether or not you have prior criminal charges
- If the court believes you can be rehabilitated
While these are not the only factors that will be taken into consideration by the court to determine what your sentence should be, they play a considerable role in this decision. For example, you are more likely to successfully avoid jail for something like drug possession as opposed to sexually assaulting a child. t
How Can an Attorney Help Me Avoid Jail?
First and foremost it’s imperative to understand that avoiding jail time is not guaranteed as there are a number of factors that can influence whether or not you go to prison. However, there are methods attorneys can use to help increase the odds of a favorable outcome for your circumstances.
One of the most common methods used to help avoid time in jail is to work out a plea deal with the prosecution. Your attorney will work with the prosecutor to lower the charges against you in exchange for you to plead guilty to a crime. Though you will still be convicted, you may be able to avoid going to jail.
Another option your attorney can pursue to help keep you out of jail is to fight the charges during the trial. Your lawyer can examine the evidence and determine whether or not going to court is the best course of action. If you can secure a not-guilty verdict, you can avoid going to jail.
Your attorney may be able to secure an alternative to jail, such as going to a rehabilitation center, participating in community service, and being subjected to home confinement. Typically, this is an option for those who are not a threat to their communities.
When you need assistance after being charged with a criminal offense, it’s imperative to understand the importance of reaching out to an experienced attorney with the Gonzalez Law Group. Our firm knows facing jail time can be incredibly overwhelming, which is why we will do everything possible to help guide you through these difficult times. Connect with our team today to learn how we can fight for you.
