Women in the American society are facing more than their fair share of stress. Charged with earning a living, yet still shouldering the majority of chores in the home and for the children, DUI arrests of women have risen 30-percent in the last decade. Many of the women charged with crimes are also victims of domestic abuse. To make matters even more complicated, these women often have children or are pregnant. Qualified legal representation for these women is critical.
Seek Legal Counsel Immediately
A lawyer is your best defense against criminal charges. If you don’t have enough money for an attorney, the law demands the court provide you with legal representation. When hiring your own lawyer, find one who is familiar with the local courts, judges and staff. For instance, if you are charged with a crime in the state of New York, you’ll need to find a NY Criminal Lawyer. Be sure the lawyer you hire has experience with the type of case you are facing. Some lawyers specialize in DUI charges and other specific crimes.
Women with Children
Having children is scary when you’re facing criminal charges. You will need someone to offer you and your kids support during the process. If you don’t have a supportive family or friends to help you, many shelters open their doors to troubled women and their children. Your lawyer might be aware of local help available to you and the children during this time of need. In the event you must serve jail time or a prison sentence, arrangements must be made for the kids to be in a safe environment. If family isn’t available, you’ll need to discuss with your lawyer what other options are available to you.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women may be able to give temporary or permanent custody of the child to them after birth, in the event she is incarcerated. In addition to your lawyer, counselors and chaplains can advise you on the best course of action to protect your unborn child. A good attorney might be able to negotiate house arrest or another alternative with the courts.
Battered Women
Sometimes, domestic abuse leads to a woman being charged with crimes. If this is the case, don’t be embarrassed. Be honest with your lawyer about the circumstances. The lawyer will not judge you, and is obligated to keep these things a secret under client-attorney privilege. And the information may help your lawyer to mount a better defense on your behalf.
Learn about all your options before making these important decisions. Speak to your lawyer, trusted mentors, counselors and others who know the resources available to you. Once you’ve heard of all your options, you can better determine the right course of action.









