Victimized by Crime While Facing Your Own Criminal Charges? Here’s What You Should Know

It is a rare circumstance, but one that I have encountered as a criminal defense lawyer: A client is already facing criminal charges when they become the victim of a crime (or vice versa). Though there is one glaring exception, the priority in this scenario is generally your criminal defense. 

If Your Safety Is at Risk, You Must Take Measures to Protect Yourself

Let me issue a vital PSA: If your life is in danger, the most important mission—even before a potentially life-altering criminal legal case—is ensuring your safety. 

If you are the victim of physical domestic abuse, you must get legal protection against the alleged abuser. If someone has issued a physical threat against you, it is imperative that you work to have that person detained. If someone has the ability and intention to harm you, you must take measures to protect yourself. 

Your criminal defense should never fall by the wayside. However, in cases where you face a credible threat of suffering violence, you may work with law enforcement to put immediate protective measures in place. Once you are safe, you can turn your full focus back to your criminal defense.

In Many Cases, the Criminal Defense Remains the Priority

When you face criminal charges, you may face the following:

• Jail time or imprisonment
• Substantial fines
• Loss of reputation
• Loss of your job
• Loss of personal relationships

A potential conviction could have life-altering consequences, and an effective defense may be the only antidote to these adverse outcomes. Do not lose sight of the urgency of your criminal case.

As a victim, there may be little you can do to see justice done. You may be able to give a statement or even testify, but a prosecutor may have the most control over whether the person who victimized you will face legal consequences. Therefore, you may focus the lion’s share of your time and attention on your defense.

Call Razumich & Associates for an Effective Criminal Defense in Indiana

Razumich & Associates defend clients facing criminal charges in the Indianapolis area. We seek to dismiss or reduce charges, sparing our clients from the legal consequences and stigma of a criminal conviction.

Contact Razumich & Associates online or call us today at (317) 449-8661 for a free consultation.