Morris Law Firm . First Time Offender


	Many of the clients that the Morris Law Firm represents are First Time Offenders. If you have never been arrested or charged with a crime, this is a very stressful and uncomfortable situation. Individuals lose a lot of sleep, wondering what the criminal justice system has in store for them. Keep in mind that your lack of a criminal record can work to your advantage. The Morris Law Firm has handled numerous cases for First Time Offenders. The majority of the cases result in dismissals, reduction in charges, or pre-trial diversion. Of course, this depends on the nature and circumstance of your criminal offense and the number of offenses for which you are charged.

YOU HAVE A VERY NARROW WINDOW OF TIME BETWEEN WHEN YOU ARE ARRESTED AND WHEN THE STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE MAKES A DECISION TO FILE A CRIMINAL CHARGE AGAINST YOU. HIRING AN ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY TO NEGOTIATE ON YOUR BEHALF WITH THE STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE GIVES YOU THE BEST CHANCE OF AVOIDING CRIMINAL CHARGES.

Early Intervention is the Key

The Morris Law Firm has been successful in meeting with prosecutors prior to the formal filing of the charges. It is extremely important to hire the Morris Law Firm as early as possible, so we can intervene and convince the prosecution that your offense is a one-time event, and present evidence on your behalf. Without early intervention, the prosecution will likely file the charges for which you were arrested by the police.

Pre-trial Intervention
This is a program run by the local state attorney's office. The Morris Law Firm is extremely effective in getting their clients enrolled in the pre-trial intervention or pre-trial diversion program. The programs vary from county to county. They are only available to first time offenders. Keep in mind, the programs are usually only offered in misdemeanor and in simple non-violent felony cases. A person offered pre-trial intervention/diversion will enroll in the program and complete certain conditions (i.e., community service hours, drug testing, an anger management class, or payment of restitution) depending on the offense. When you complete the program successfully, the State of Florida will dismiss all of the charges against you. The Morris Law Firm can then Seal your criminal record, so public records will not reflect that you were arrested.

Plea Bargaining
Your clean record will serve you well when the Morris Law Firm negotiates on your behalf to receive a Withhold of Adjudication (meaning that there is no formal conviction of guilt on your criminal record). It is imperative to receive a Withhold of Adjudication for two reasons: First, it prevents you from being a convicted felon and losing the majority of your civil liberties (such as being able to own a firearm). Second, a Withhold of Adjudication entitles you to Seal your criminal record after your case is closed.