The American Bar Association (ABA) has called on criminal defense attorneys across the country to embrace a more holistic approach to representing their clients, in an effort to reduce recidivism, or repeat offenses. On Monday, the group’s House of Delegates approved a resolution that encourages defense attorneys to address civil and non-legal problems in addition …
The American Bar Association (ABA) has called on criminal defense attorneys across the country to embrace a more holistic approach to representing their clients, in an effort to reduce recidivism, or repeat offenses. On Monday, the group’s House of Delegates approved a resolution that encourages defense attorneys to address civil and non-legal problems in addition to criminal problems when representing clients. The resolution also urges criminal defense lawyers to collaborate with civil practitioners and social service program providers in order to offer clients in criminal cases re-entry services. If you are facing criminal charges in Oklahoma, one of the most important steps you can take in defending yourself is hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney. Our defense attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center are skilled in their area of practice, and will work hard to protect your legal rights.
How a Criminal Conviction Can Affect Your Life
The resolution sponsored by the American Bar Association is not binding, but is geared towards helping offenders in Oklahoma and across the United States more successfully re-enter society after a conviction, with a reduced risk of relapsing into criminal behavior. As it stands, many individuals charged with criminal offenses are unaware of the widespread impact a conviction can have on the remainder of their lives, especially when it comes to employment, housing, and family matters like child support and custody. According to an ABA report that accompanied the recent resolution, “If formerly incarcerated persons cannot find work, shelter, or help, they are much more likely to be caught up in a recurring cycle of crime.”
As the ABA report states, a staggering two-thirds of the 750,000 individuals released from prison in 2011 will commit new crimes and be arrested within three years. In an effort to reverse this disturbing trend, the American Bar Association and the defense attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center are calling on lawyers to thoroughly interview clients in order to identify problems that could lead to recidivism in the future. By doing so, our defense attorneys can provide the best possible help to clients, dealing not only with legal issues, but with other matters that could result in repeat offenses as well.
Contact an OK Criminal Defense Attorney for Help
Too often, defense attorneys in Oklahoma and across the country address only the legal problems a client is facing at that particular point in time. At Oklahoma Legal Center, our defense attorneys work hard to offer clients a comprehensive approach to criminal defense, while helping offenders understand the related and far-reaching consequences a criminal conviction can have. One of the most important aspects of the work the defense lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center do is addressing any issues relevant to improving a client’s chances of successfully re-entering society and once again becoming a member of his or her community after incarceration. If you are facing criminal charges in Oklahoma City or elsewhere in Oklahoma, contact our qualified criminal defense attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center to discuss your legal options.