If you have been arrested and charged with a crime for the first time, it is important you take control of the situation. Contact a New Orleans criminal defense attorney who can help first-time offenders clear their names. Attorney Jeff Hufft has experience getting a favorable outcome for clients who have been arrested for the first time.
When you have been arrested for a crime, it is important you take the accusations against you seriously. Even if this is your first run-in with law enforcement, you still could face severe penalties, depending on the crime you are accused of committing. Although you may be confident in your innocence, what you say can be used against you.
If you have never been arrested, you may not think you would ever need an attorney. However, when you are charged with a crime you should have legal counsel to defend your rights. In Louisiana, some of the most common crimes committed by first-time offenders include:
If you are considered a first-time offender, there may be alternatives to jail time. Louisiana has several programs in place designed to help offenders who have been arrested for the first time, rather than putting them behind bars. Getting help to those who have been arrested for the first time may prevent them from committing crimes in the future.
First-time offenders may be eligible for a misdemeanor pretrial diversion program. This program allows first-time offenders charged with misdemeanors, including drug possession and DWI, a chance to avoid criminal prosecution.
Participants sign a contract with the state, which waives your right to a speedy trial and states you will comply with program requirements and perform the necessary sanctions. The term can last anywhere from six months to a year and can include some form of probation, counseling, drug education classes, rehabilitation treatment and supervision.
If the program is successfully completed, the state would agree to drop the charges in that specific case against the first-time offender, allowing him or her to avoid a criminal record.
An experienced criminal defense attorney can use a defendant’s clean criminal history as a way to negotiate a plea agreement favorable to the defendant. The plea could mean the defendant could have penalties other than jail time, such as probation, house arrest or community service hours.
If you are a first-time offender, there may be an alternative to jail time and a criminal record. New Orleans criminal defense attorney Jeff Hufft can help you find a way to combat your charges. Call (504)232-3080 to schedule a free case consultation. Jeffrey Hufft, Attorney at Law, LLC represents clients throughout the greater New Orleans area, including Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish, Plaquemines Parish, St. Bernard Parish, St. Tammany Parish, Washington Parish, and St. Charles Parish.