Avoiding Recidivism in Texas

 Posted on May 22, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Recidivism refers to when someone who has already been convicted of a crime reoffends. People who already have a criminal conviction on their record are usually very likely to get arrested again for a lot of reasons. Many individuals who find themselves being prosecuted have substance abuse or mental health problems that can lead them to commit crimes like drug possession, assault, or theft. Felons are often limited to working in jobs that routinely hire felons and living in housing that usually accepts felons, meaning that they are likely to spend a lot of time around people who might still be involved with crime. Police are also more likely to assume that someone who has offended in the past is guilty again, leading to an increased rate of arrests. A Collin County, TX criminal defense attorney can help you plan to avoid reoffending the first time you face prosecution.

Planning to Make This Your Only Arrest 

If you are currently being prosecuted in Texas, there are steps your lawyer can help you take now to decrease the chances that you will find yourself in this position a second time. Possible ways your lawyer can help you avoid getting arrested a second time include:

• Get into a diversion program - Diversion programs are often an option for people who have a mental illness or substance abuse problem that contributed to their offense. These programs offer treatment that may help you resolve the underlying problem that led to your arrest, reducing the chances that you will be led to commit a crime in the future. 
• Protect your professional license - Certain felonies may be a “hard bar” to keeping your professional license. For example, in Texas, an Aggravated Assault conviction means that you will lose your nursing license. Your lawyer might be able to work with the prosecutor to have your offense reduced to a misdemeanor that does not preclude you from working in your profession. Keeping your license can motivate you to avoid future criminal behaviors. 
• Start planning for release now - If you are likely to go to jail or prison, ask your lawyer what options you might have when you get out. If going back to your old environment after release might lead you to get involved with crime again, you might benefit from entering a halfway house, living with a different relative, or if you are a veteran, going to a VA Domiciliary or home for veterans. 

Contact a Frisco, TX Criminal Defense Lawyer 

Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson P.L.L.C. will work with you to help you plan for a successful future without any further arrests. Our experienced Collin County, TX criminal defense attorneys are highly knowledgeable about the impact mental health, substance abuse, and life circumstances can have on a person’s criminal behavior. Contact us at 469-333-3333 for a complimentary consultation.