We all know the feeling of dread and fear that makes your heart sink into the pit of your stomach. Only a handful of scenarios cause that feeling, being accused of a crime and facing the associated penalties being among those few. If you find yourself in such a situation, your first step in resolving the issue should be acquiring the representation of a Criminal Attorney Santa Rosa County.
Depending on the nature of the crime you have been accused of, you are probably facing one of three primary punishments or a combination of those commonly utilized. When you consider punishment for a crime, the first idea that comes to mind is probably prison time. This is, more than likely, the last thing you want to endure.
If you have a family, it would probably be heartbreaking to imagine your children growing up without you simply because you were locked away from society. While a prison sentence lasting several years can be detrimental, one consisting of only a few months can have a devastating effect on you and your family. Statistics indicate most families are only one or two pay checks away from financial ruin. The loss of your income, not to mention your physical and emotional presence, could leave your family homeless and hungry in a matter of weeks.
Another widely used criminal punishment is known as restitution. Used in cases of embezzlement and theft, this penance entails reimbursing victims for the amount you are accused of taking. Drawn out over a period of months, or even years, you will be expected to send payments to the court until your debt has been repaid in full. You may not initially face imprisonment, but one missed payment could result in a bench warrant and your arrest.
If you are fortunate enough to enlist the leniency of the court, you may only face probation. You will still be required to check in with a probation officer at specified times and will need to pay fees to the court. As is the case with restitution, one missed meeting or payment could lead to your arrest and jail time to follow.
Depending on the crime you have been accused of committing, your punishment could include any of these three punishments or other less common ones. With the help of a Criminal Attorney Santa Rosa County, your sentence could be greatly reduced or you could be acquitted of the crime completely.
