Your Kansas criminal matter will go through a few different phases from start to finish. After you are arrested and booked, there is the arraignment, numerous pretrial hearings, and a trial. At many of these stages, it is possible for you to seek a reduction or dismissal of the charges which have been brought against you. At all of these stages, there are various things that you can do to give yourself the best chance of achieving a favorable outcome.
It is possible for you to begin laying a foundation for a successful defense at the time of your arrest by saying as little as you possibly can, and by observing everything around you so that you can write down what happened later on. As soon as you are able to do so, contact a Kansas Criminal Defense Attorney. Retaining a Kansas Criminal Defense Attorney is the number one thing that you can do to ensure the best possible outcome in your Kansas criminal matter.
While sharing as little information as you can with the police is a good way to build a successful defense, your Kansas Criminal Defense Attorney does need quite a bit of information from you. Your attorney uses the information that you give them to build a case on your behalf which contains all of the possible defenses that may be available to you based upon the facts of your case.
As a defendant, you are likely to have many questions about your Kansas criminal matter. Fortunately, your Kansas Criminal Defense Attorney has a great deal of experience in cases like yours, and they can help you with whatever questions you have, whenever they arise. Do not hesitate to contact your attorney whenever you have a question or a concern.
Being proactive about difficulties that you may be having in your personal life will reflect positively on you as a defendant. For example, some criminal defendants use drugs or alcohol. If you are one of those defendants, you may be asked by the court to participate in counseling or treatment. It is best not to wait until you are ordered to participate in treatment. You can choose a doctor, treatment facility or counseling provider that you feel comfortable with and it is likely that the court will permit you to continue with the provider of your choice for as long as counseling or treatment is required, if you are able to show that you are making progress.
As devastating as it is to be charged with a crime, know that it is possible that your case will have a positive outcome. Many times, people who are accused of crimes either did not commit the crime, or they made a mistake. You are still the same person that you were before the charges were brought, so keep on doing the positive things that you were doing prior to your arrest to the extent that you are able to do so. For example, you may be able to keep your job or stay in school. Any positive things that you do right now will help the court to see who you really are, and to consider your criminal charges in the broader context of your whole life.
If you have been charged with a crime, a Kansas Criminal Defense Lawyer will help you to pursue the best possible outcome in your case. To learn more about how a Kansas Criminal Defense attorney can help you with your Kansas criminal matter, please call our Wichita office today at (316) 264-1548.