They say there’s a first time for everything. For some people, this includes getting arrested and charged with a crime. If you are in this situation right now or fear you may soon be, you probably have many worries on your mind.
If you’re like most people, one of your main concerns is whether or not you’ll go to jail if you’re convicted. You’re probably also worried about fines, community service requirements, and how a criminal record will impact your future. These can all be especially frustrating thoughts if you know you aren’t responsible for the accusations against you.
Leniency Options for First-Time Offenders in Texas
Texas recognizes that some leniency should be offered to certain first-time offenders depending on the severity of their offenses. Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, you can avoid serving time in jail or prison if you are a first-time offender.
Some of the options available to you may include the following:
- Pretrial intervention or another type of deferred adjudication that requires completion of a special one-year program before the defendant’s case is dismissed.
- Specialty courts, such as drug court, where a conviction may not result in as harsh penalties as it might in another venue. Rehabilitative penalties like community service, counseling, and substance abuse education courses are favored in some specialty courts.
- Plea bargaining for community service, probation, or participation in another program instead or a jail or prison sentence.
In most cases, leniency options are available to defendants who agree to plead guilty in a plea deal. Whether or not you should engage in such a deal depends upon your unique situation, the evidence against you, and whether or not you want to give up your right to a trial.