Being arrested for a crime can be one of the most traumatic events someone may face in their life. When you are accused of a dangerous crime, and the sentencing includes a lengthy jail time, you need to start preparing for the possibility that you may serve time behind bars. Even if there is a slight chance of getting a lenient sentence, preparing for imprisonment is essential if things don’t go as expected. If you’re facing prison time in Phoenix, call our seasoned defense attorneys from Snader Law Firm.
Generally, a felony conviction comes with potentially life-changing consequences. The period before incarceration is the hardest for most people and their families. Losing your freedom is hard enough, especially for your emotional and psychological well-being.
An arrest can have a lasting impact on your future. That makes it imperative to seek legal help from a credible Arizona criminal defense attorney who will aggressively fight to defend your rights and secure less severe punishment or even alternatives to incarceration. However, some convicted individuals will not have these options.
If you’re fortunate enough to know you’re going to prison in advance, you can do a few things to make your transition a bit easier and more comfortable. This article will give you an overview of the important steps to take before facing prison time in Phoenix.
In this video, Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorney Howard Snader talks about the steps a person can take while they are facing serious felony charges that could likely result in a long prison term and how Snader Law Group can help best in setting a client up financially and protect their assets, what people can do in the short term, to make sure things are gonna run as smoothly as possible while they are out of custody.
While many people may think that power of attorney is something you only need to think about as you make end-of-life plans in your old age. That is not the case. Whether you are still in custody or out on bail, you need to consider assigning a power of attorney (POA) to someone you trust.
Generally, a power of attorney grants another person the ability to control your affairs in your absence. This could be your spouse, parent, child, sibling, or trusted friend.
If you appoint someone other than your spouse, you could appoint two powers of attorney, who must both agree on a course of action before they can decide on your behalf. This may avoid misuse of powers and eliminate conflict in decision-making. The power of attorney form should be completed using the accompanying guidance notes.
There are many types of power of attorney, and understanding them will help you choose one that’s the best fit for you. Depending on the circumstances, you may need a general power of attorney or durable power of attorney.
A general power of attorney gives broad authorizations to the agent (the person you appoint). However, the agent’s legal power ends when you can no longer make your own decisions. This happens if you are incapacitated or deemed legally incompetent.
This arrangement designates another person to act on the principal’s behalf and includes a durable clause that maintains the power of attorney after the principal becomes incapacitated. Durable powers of attorney tend to fall into two categories: healthcare decisions and financial decisions.
A health care or medical POA allows an agent to make medical decisions on your behalf. Through this type of durable power of attorney, your attorney-in-fact can speak with doctors to discuss options for your healthcare, receive updates about your private medical information, and have the authority to refuse treatment or take measures to prolong your life.
A financial POA gives your agent the authority to handle financial matters for you after you can no longer attend to these tasks. This can help secure your investments, savings, and livelihood when you cannot maintain them. Once completed, this will give the named person permission to communicate with your landlords, banks, and creditors.
It can be difficult if you know you’re about to go to prison in Phoenix. Call our experienced criminal defense law firm to get the best attorney on your side.
During your prisoner intake period, the prison staff will confiscate and store all your clothing and other personal belongings. There are specific guidelines regulating possession of any of these items. When you arrive at your prison or jail location, whatever cash you have is yours to keep. You may have this cash deposited in your commissary accounts for use at the prison. A reliable Phoenix criminal defense attorney can give you an overview of what to expect during this process.
Here are some things you may consider, depending on your situation:
Facing criminal charges and maybe even a felony conviction can be one of the most stressful and isolating experiences. In the blink of an eye, everything could change for the arrested person and their family and friends. Being arrested or serving a prison sentence doesn’t necessarily have to destroy your life or your family’s lives. A seasoned Phoenix criminal defense lawyer can guide you through the legal system and help you prepare for the potential outcomes.
At a time when all seems lost, counseling sessions are vital as they can suggest ways to help you and your family cope with the short- and long-term consequences of incarceration. Preparing for prison includes putting yourself in the right mental state. Counseling may involve coping with shame, remorse, stigma, regret, and guilt. In addition, it can help you deal with your feelings and mentally prepare for what may come.
Incarceration takes a psychological toll and carries a significant social stigma. Preparing for prison isn’t just about you but is also about preparing your loved ones for your absence and what it will mean for your family. Your loved ones will be devastated by the idea of you facing prison time in Phoenix and the potential dangers it might subject you to. It may take a while before they come to terms with the likelihood of living without you.
If you are facing a criminal charge, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed by stress and anxiety. Your situation may seem hopeless, but even in the most difficult circumstances, an experienced Phoenix criminal defense lawyer at Snader Law Group can help you fight your charges and avoid the consequences of a felony conviction. We will help you plan and prepare for what might happen while formulating a winning defense strategy.
Our criminal defense law firm has extensive experience in successfully defending numerous clients against various criminal charges, such as sex crimes, domestic violence, drug possession, or aggravated assault in Phoenix, Avondale, and more areas in Arizona. Our Arizona board-certified criminal attorney Howard Snader can provide the aggressive and effective legal defense you need to protect your rights today. Call our law office today to schedule a consultation and get legal advice on your criminal charges.
