What alternatives to conviction are available for a first time criminal charge?

If you have been arrested for the first time ever and charged with a crime, you may wonder what the options for a first criminal offense are. In reality, the options for a first offense are very similar to options for any criminal charges you may face. You can:

• Plead guilty and arrange a plea bargain with the prosecutor who is assigned to your case. The plea bargain may involve a lesser sentence, especially for those who are first time offenders if the crime is minor, however this still involves admitting guilt and facing penalties. The criminal conviction, even in a plea bargain, may show up on a criminal record- although you may be able to get the record sealed or the charges expunged
• Take your chances in court. If you go to court, you'll be trying to prove you aren't guilty of the crime or that you shouldn't be found guilty. This can involve attempting to introduce reasonable doubt or prove you didn't commit the crime. It can also involve trying to get evidence tossed out for various reasons, such as a violation of your constitutional rights against unreasonable search and seizure, so that the prosecutor will no longer have enough evidence to try the case.

The reality is, unfortunately, that even a first time criminal charge does have consequences. Your best option if you find yourself in this situation is to get help from an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help you to determine what your best course of action is.