Being arrested or charged with a crime can be an embarrassing and stressful experience, potentially involving lights and sirens on the side of the road in your neighborhood or even an officer showing up at your workplace or school. Such situations can quickly become the talk of the neighborhood, adding to the discomfort.
One crucial aspect that many individuals, including myself, contemplate is whether to inform friends and family about pending criminal charges. Regardless of whether it's a first-time offense or a recurring issue, deciding who to confide in can be a challenging decision, given the valid reasons on both sides of the argument.
On one hand, discussing the details of your case with anyone other than your attorney could jeopardize your attorney-client privilege, and the person you confide in might end up being called as a witness against you in court. To avoid this unfortunate situation, if you choose to inform people about the charges, it's essential not to share any specifics about the case itself.
On the other hand, there are some significant advantages to sharing the information with friends and family. The support they provide during this challenging time can be invaluable. Criminal cases often come with restrictive bond conditions, which may include abstaining from alcohol, surrendering firearms, or avoiding contact with certain witnesses. If your loved ones are aware of these conditions, they can help ensure you don't unintentionally violate them.
Additionally, managing the numerous court dates, urinalysis testing, or meetings with pretrial services officers can be challenging while balancing work and school commitments. In such instances, friends and family can play a crucial role by stepping in to cover your responsibilities, whether it's taking care of your kids, managing your classes, or providing transportation to court.
Furthermore, facing criminal charges can be financially straining. Beyond attorney fees, there are additional costs associated with being charged with a crime, such as house arrest, remote breath units, GPS trackers, or other forms of supervision, which can range from $10 to $25 per day. Many people often rely on the support of friends and family to help cover these unexpected expenses.
In conclusion, the decision of whether to share pending criminal charges with friends and family is a personal one, and it comes with its own set of pros and cons. While their support and assistance can be beneficial in various aspects, it's crucial to be cautious about divulging sensitive case details and potentially jeopardizing your legal position. Ultimately, whatever decision you make, seeking professional legal advice and guidance should remain a priority.
If you would like a free consultation for your case, contact me today!