Many of the clients that we have the privilege of representing have never been to Court before. Many are concerned about what the Judge and the Prosecutor will think about them. We have to assure nearly all clients that the Judge isn't really thinking about them, and isn't judging them. People in this profession (Judges, Prosecuting Attorneys, Defense Attorneys) have seen it all before. In this video, Jennifer Witt gives a thorough explanation as to what is going through the minds of the Judges and Prosecuting Attorneys (hint - It isn't you).

It is normal to be concerned when you are charged with a crime. There are many consequences that can impact your employment, housing, driving privileges, and much more. This kind of stress can make people be oddly unproductive and uncooperative with their attorney.

Often, clients are insistent with their defense lawyers that they need to prove to the judge that they’re upstanding citizens and aren’t “criminals” like everyone else in the courtroom. Funny thing is that 1 in 3 Americans have a criminal record so the “criminal” label isn’t that concerning to most folks in the justice system. Lawmakers in the United States has over-criminalized behavior to the point of absurdity.

Unfortunately, defense attorneys get a little irritated with clients who insist on a platform to discuss their good deeds. It’s not that they don’t understand but it’s simply not possible and they don’t want to explain that repeatedly.

Sometimes, clients just won’t stop arguing that they want to tell their story and will not accept court procedure and evidence rules as an explanation. It certainly creates tension when an attorney has a client who can’t understand the rules of criminal procedure and keeps arguing about this topic. If this is you, please stop for your own good.

If you hired an experienced criminal defense lawyer, he or she knows when to talk about your good qualities—it’s not during Arraignment or a Pre-Trial hearing. In fact, the only time YOU are able to present your character is after you’ve been convicted or plead guilty. That’s not great news if you’re really insisting on talking to the judge or prosecutor. You are allowed to speak about yourself (which should include how sorry you are) during sentencing because you’re hoping to convince the judge to “go easy” on your jail or prison term.

So, realize your attorney isn’t judging you. The judge and prosecutor mostly likely don’t care about your good or bad deeds. You are one of thousands of criminally charged folks who will enter the courtroom that year. Leave it to your attorney to weave in everything that is RELEVANT to working out a resolution. A prosecutor has very limited time and, if your lawyer gets the prosecutor’s attention, realize the attorney knows exactly what facts need to be concisely conveyed to get your case dismissed or resolved in the best possible way.

Prosecutors around the country resolve cases differently. While the law is the law, realize you have humans interpreting the law and you have some courts providing options like therapeutic courts that address underlying causes of criminal conduct. So, find an experienced defense attorney in the LOCAL area where you were charged to guide you through your best options.

Don’t beat yourself up about whether people see you as a “criminal” because you’re probably the one being toughest on yourself. Just find a great defense attorney and get the best resolution for your situation. Move on with your life in a positive way.

If you have a case in Kitsap County, Bremerton, Poulsbo, Silverdale, Port Orchard, or Bainbridge Island, we’re available to help 7 days a week to help. www.WittLegal.com

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Witt Law Group PS
www.WittLegal.com
(360) 792-1000