Will the judge be lenient for a first time criminal offender?

Leniency for first time offenders is always possible, but the individual aspects of your case. If you believe that you could be entitled to some leniency, though, it is best to talk with an attorney about your case. Your attorney not only will offer legal advice on how to go about requesting leniency, but will also use court precedent, if it exists, to help ensure that you get it. This is not always possible but in many cases it can be.

When You Will Get Leniency

The type of criminal charges you face will ultimately determine if you are able to get leniency. The individual circumstances surrounding your criminal case also play a role here. It is critical to understand the following.

• If the case is not the first time that you have committed the crime, such as having a drug habit or being involved in other altercations that did not come to court, leniency is less likely.
• If you are a first time offender due to a simple mistake in judgment, it is more likely you will receive probation.
• If you are young, inexperienced or simply unaware of your actions, this may get you leniency.
• The type of damage you did, either to another person’s property or being, plays a role.

Your character also matters. Are you an upstanding person who generally offers benefits to the community or are you a “trouble maker” who is involved in various illegal activities? A variety of factors matter here, which is why you should discuss your options with your attorney before heading to court.