Criminal Defense: I've Been Charged. What Do I Do Next?
Being charged with a crime can feel overwhelming, frightening, and deeply personal. In times like these, it’s natural to feel unsure of what to do next.
At Van Matre Law Firm, P.C., based in Columbia, Missouri, and serving clients in Jefferson City, we understand how difficult this moment can be.
Criminal defense is about more than just showing up in court—it’s about making informed, thoughtful decisions from the very beginning to protect your future. You don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to guide you through each step, help you understand your rights, and stand by your side throughout the process.
If you've been charged, reach out to schedule a confidential consultation. We're here to help you move forward with clarity and support.
Remaining Calm After Charges
Being charged with a crime often triggers panic, but your first step should be to remain calm. Rash decisions or statements made out of fear can hurt your case later. Remember that an arrest or a charge doesn’t automatically mean a conviction—it simply means the state has alleged wrongdoing and intends to pursue it in court.
It’s also important not to discuss the case with friends, family, or especially law enforcement without legal guidance. Anything you say could become evidence. Staying focused and avoiding unnecessary conversations can help you protect yourself from the beginning.
Your Rights During the Process
Once charges are filed, certain constitutional rights come into play. Knowing these rights makes a difference in how you handle the situation. Many people aren’t aware of the protections available to them, which can lead to mistakes in the early stages. Some of the most critical rights include:
The right to remain silent: You don’t have to answer questions from law enforcement without a lawyer present.
The right to an attorney: If you can’t afford a lawyer, the court can appoint one to represent you.
The right to a fair trial: The state must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt before any conviction can occur.
The right to confront witnesses: You’re entitled to question those who testify against you.
The right to due process: You have the right to be treated fairly under the law, from the investigation to the trial.
Exercising these rights is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from mistakes that can weaken your defense. Working closely with a lawyer assures those rights are respected throughout the process.
Essential Information About the Charges Against You
The type of charge you’re facing plays a large role in how your case will proceed. Charges can range from misdemeanors, which carry lighter penalties, to felonies, which often involve longer sentences and more severe consequences. Understanding the specifics of the charge helps shape how your defense is built.
For example, a misdemeanor charge may involve a fine or probation, while a felony could mean prison time and long-term impacts on employment and housing. Each case requires close attention to the statute involved and the evidence being used. Knowing what you’re up against provides clarity in preparing for what’s next.
The Arraignment and Plea Decisions
After being charged, one of the first formal court appearances is the arraignment. During this hearing, the charges are read, and you’ll have the opportunity to enter a plea. Common plea options include guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
Choosing the right plea is an important step because it sets the direction of your case. Pleading guilty may move the case directly to sentencing, while a not guilty plea allows for the possibility of trial or negotiations. Consulting with a lawyer before entering a plea helps you understand the implications and make the best decision based on your situation.
Building a Strong Defense
Once the initial hearings are complete, the focus shifts to building a defense. This process involves analyzing the state’s evidence and developing strategies to challenge the case. Several approaches can be taken, depending on the details of your situation:
Challenging evidence: If the evidence was obtained illegally, such as through an unlawful search, it may be excluded.
Questioning witness credibility: Witnesses may provide inconsistent or unreliable testimony that weakens the prosecution’s case.
Presenting alternative explanations: Evidence may support a version of events that contradicts the charges.
Establishing alibis: Demonstrating that you were elsewhere at the time of the alleged crime can create reasonable doubt.
Negotiating plea agreements: Sometimes, reducing charges or penalties is the most practical way to resolve a case.
Every defense is tailored to the circumstances, but the goal is always the same: to protect your rights and present the strongest possible case.
The Discovery Process
The discovery stage allows both sides to exchange evidence before trial. This assures fairness by giving each party the chance to review the other’s claims. Discovery may include police reports, forensic tests, video recordings, or witness statements.
This stage is crucial because it often reveals weaknesses in the prosecution’s case or highlights evidence that supports the defense. Reviewing discovery materials carefully can lead to pretrial motions that dismiss charges or suppress certain evidence. It also helps shape whether the case should proceed to trial or be resolved through other means.
Trial Preparation and Court Proceedings
If your case proceeds to trial, preparation is key. Trial involves presenting evidence, examining witnesses, and making arguments before a judge or jury. Both sides attempt to persuade the court of their version of events, and the outcome is decided based on whether the prosecution meets the burden of proof.
Trial can be unpredictable, which is why careful preparation is so important. Developing a clear defense strategy, preparing witnesses, and anticipating the prosecution’s arguments all contribute to how the case unfolds. Even if trial is the last step, the work leading up to it often determines the final result.
Long-Term Consequences of a Conviction
A criminal conviction doesn’t end once the immediate sentence is served. The effects often extend far beyond fines, probation, or incarceration, shaping many aspects of daily life for years to come. These consequences can make it more difficult to return to a sense of normalcy after the case is resolved, and they may include:
Employment challenges: Many employers run background checks, and convictions can limit job opportunities.
Housing restrictions: Landlords may deny rental applications when criminal records appear.
Educational barriers: Some schools and training programs may limit admission for individuals with convictions.
Professional licensing issues: Certain careers, such as healthcare or finance, may be restricted after a conviction.
Loss of rights: Convictions can impact civil rights, including voting eligibility or firearm possession.
These lasting effects show why addressing criminal charges carefully is so important. Taking steps to defend against accusations or reduce penalties can significantly affect not only the outcome of the case but also future opportunities in life.
Considering Alternative Outcomes
Not all criminal cases end in trial. In fact, many are resolved earlier through plea negotiations or diversion programs. Plea agreements may reduce the severity of charges or the length of a sentence, while diversion programs can allow eligible defendants to avoid conviction by completing requirements such as counseling or community service.
Exploring these alternatives can sometimes provide a better outcome than risking trial. Deciding whether to accept a plea or pursue another resolution depends on the strength of the evidence, the potential penalties, and your personal circumstances.
The Importance of Legal Guidance
While it’s possible to go through criminal defense proceedings without representation, having a lawyer provides critical advantages. A lawyer can interpret the charges, protect your rights during questioning, and build a defense based on the details of your case. They also handle negotiations and court procedures, which reduces the risk of mistakes that could hurt the outcome.
Legal guidance also helps you make informed decisions. From entering a plea to considering settlement offers, each step carries consequences that may affect your future. Having someone explain the options allows you to weigh the risks and benefits more clearly.
Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you’ve been charged with a crime, it’s important to take immediate steps to protect yourself. Our lawyers at Van Matre Law Firm, P.C., serving Columbia, Jefferson City, and throughout mid-Missouri, are ready to guide you through the criminal defense process and help you make informed decisions. Contact us today to discuss your case.
