When a judge sentences a defendant after their conviction, they do not just have a set fine or jail sentence that they use for everyone. In many cases, they can weigh different factors and decide to give someone a more lenient sentence. They can also decide that someone with past convictions needs to be punished more harshly. This is why you need to talk to our Dallas County criminal lawyers if you have a record and you are facing new charges.
Will Past Convictions Affect My Sentence?
Yes, they are likely to make a difference. The problem here is twofold. First, you can be charged for a more serious crime when you have past convictions. A good example of this would be domestic abuse. A first offense can be a simple misdemeanor, but a second offense for the same crime would be upgraded to a serious misdemeanor after a conviction. This can be the difference between a jail sentence of 30 days and a jail sentence of one year.
The second issue is that there is usually a range of punishments for a conviction. If we look at domestic abuse again, the fine for a serious misdemeanor can range between $315 and $1,875. If you have a record, it’s likely that you’ll end up paying a fine on the higher end of that range.
Can Past Convictions Make it Harder to Plea Bargain?
Your past convictions can also be an issue when you try to plead out. The prosecutor might be more confident in their case because of your record. They could be less inclined to offer a good deal because they are confident about getting a conviction. Even if you are offered a deal, you can probably assume that it isn’t as generous as the one you would have received if your record was clean.
What If My Past Convictions Were From a Long Time Ago?
One piece of good news is that your past convictions might not make as much of a difference if they were from a long time ago. It can be harder to make the case that you are a career criminal if you have abided by the law for five, 10, 15, or more years since your last conviction. This time gap can at least give your lawyer a chance to argue that you are a mostly reformed and responsible citizen. This current crime is just a mistake, a slipup, or misunderstanding.
Contact Our Law Firm
If you want to learn more about how our attorneys can help you, contact Iowa Defenders and schedule a case consultation. We can help you figure out the best way to defend yourself from these new criminal charges and avoid the harshest penalties the state can hand down.
