If you have been charged with a crime, one of your first steps should be to hire a top Fort Collins criminal defense lawyer to represent you at the Larimer County Courts. However, we also frequently tell our clients that it is vital that they find a job if they are not already employed. This is not only for the most obvious reason – you need a job to pay your bills and upcoming court costs – but also because employment can actually affect the outcome of your case. If you don’t already have a job, keep reading as our top criminal defense lawyers discuss the importance of finding and maintaining employment:
1. You Will Need a Top Fort Collins Criminal Defense Lawyer
One of the most significant reasons to find a job if you have been charged with a crime is because you will need to retain a top Fort Collins criminal defense lawyer. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: good lawyers don’t come cheap, but cheap lawyers will come at a great cost later down the road. You need an attorney with high ethical standards, a proven track record of successfully fighting on behalf of their clients, and a sole focus on criminal defense. Trust us – the lawyer you choose is not something you can skimp on.
2. Having a Job = Better Pre-Sentence Investigative Report at the Larimer County Courts
Towards the end of your case at the Larimer County Courts, a Probation Officer will prepare a Pre-Sentence Investigative Report, or PSIR. This report contains a wealth of information so that the judge can determine the most appropriate sentence for you. Just one piece of this extensive report is your employment history, and whether you are currently maintaining gainful employment. While there are several pieces of the PSIR that will affect your sentence, it will look much better to the judge and District Attorney if you had a job well before sentencing.
3. Maintaining Employment Means Better Sentencing Options in Loveland and Estes Park
In that same vein, maintaining employment will mean better sentencing options in Loveland and Estes Park. If you have a job, you are more likely to be given a sentencing alternative over a straight sentence to the Larimer County Jail. Some sentencing alternatives include:
One of the primary reasons that holding down a job increases the likelihood of the judge sentencing you to an alternative is because these programs usually require that you pay a daily fee. For example, people sentenced to work release must pay a minimum of $18 per day.
4. You Need to Meet Financial Obligations at the Larimer County Courts
Unless your charges are dismissed, you will have several financial obligations with the Larimer County Courts if you are convicted of your charges. You will be required to pay court costs, fines for the crime you committed, and restitution to the victim(s). Failure to fulfill these obligations can result in hefty consequences. For example, if you try to seal your Larimer County Court criminal record, but you still owe restitution, the Court will reject your Motion to Seal. Therefore, it is essential that you maintain employment so that you can pay for these costs and avoid repercussions further down the road.
5. Bonus: Advice on Finding a Job from Top Fort Collins Lawyers
If you have been charged with a crime and need to find a job, here are just a few pieces of advice from our top Fort Collins lawyers:
- Don’t be picky about the type of jobs you apply for. You cannot afford to have the mindset that any job is “beneath” you. This will only hinder your ability to find employment.
- Work on your soft skills. Employers want employees who are tenacious and adaptable, work well with others, and demonstrate responsibility. Ask responsible people around you to tell you which areas you need to work on to better your chances of finding a job.
- Utilize Larimer County’s job resources. These resources offer tips on how to write a cover letter, improve your resume, and learn relevant interviewing skills. Using these tips and developing these skills can make all the difference in your job search.
Have you been charged with a crime? Be smart, and exercise your right to stay silent – do not talk to the Larimer County Sheriff or Fort Collins Police about your case. Then get in contact with a criminal lawyer with over 3 decades of experience at the O’Malley Law Office today by calling 970-658-0007. Together, we can protect your future.
The location for the Larimer County Courthouse is 201 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll see you there!
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko