Finding Peace When Facing Criminal Charges
Facing criminal charges is nerve-wracking and can throw you off balance emotionally. It doesn’t matter if you’re guilty or completely innocent, just the mere fact of having to face charges in court is intimidating.
Stress and anxiety will naturally arise, but it’s important to maintain your composure and do your best to maintain your inner peace regardless of what’s happening around you. Staying calm and centered is critical for your mental and emotional wellbeing. If you’re facing charges, here are some tips to maintain your inner peace.
Get a criminal defense attorney
First and foremost, if you are facing criminal charges, get an attorney right away. A criminal defense lawyer is essential not just for winning your case, but for reducing the stress of your entire situation.
Whether you’re facing felony or misdemeanor charges, the potential for being convicted will be a major source of stress and anxiety. You could end up with fines and jail time, and without an attorney, you don’t stand a chance at getting a deal.
Criminal convictions have far-reaching consequences, some of which can make it hard for you to get a job or find a place to live. Some states make it illegal for landlords to blanket reject applicants for having a criminal record, but those states are the exception to the rule.
Life can be exceptionally tough with a conviction on your record. Even schools deny applicants with criminal records, and you may not be able to get a federal tuition loan if you wanted to try learning a new skill to start a business of your own.
By getting a criminal defense lawyer, you’re giving yourself the best possible chance in court. Depending on your circumstances, you might go to trial and be found not guilty, or if you are found guilty, an attorney can help reduce the charges you face. Sometimes, this involves reducing charges so they don’t look so bad on your record. This can make the difference between being able to rent a nice apartment without a cosigner, and having to settle for living in a bad area and renting from a landlord that is desperate for a tenant.
Be intentional with your actions and responses
There’s no better way to increase your stress levels than to let yourself get impulsive with your reactions. Doing this will inevitably create a more stressful situation for you, especially if you’re responding emotionally in the courtroom or to your lawyer.
Expressing every negative emotion you feel will only create more stress for you. If you happen to have an outburst in the courtroom, for example, the judge might hold you in contempt of court. Your attorney will do everything possible to support you and make sure you feel comfortable by preparing you ahead of time, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be surprised during your hearing. It’s up to you to maintain control over your emotions and reactions.
Eat healthy foods
The value of eating well is often underestimated. Food had a direct impact on emotions, and if you eat fast food, fried food, and other sources of junk food, your body and brain won’t feel good. Eating poorly will only increase feelings of anxiety and fear.
When facing criminal charges, make sure you eat a balanced, healthy diet. Skip the soda, fast food, and sugary or salty snacks, and start cooking real meals with fresh produce. Buy leafy greens, like spinach, kale, and chard, and mix it up in a salad with tomatoes, romaine lettuce, and chicken if you prefer.
When it comes to bigger meals, try eating legumes, quinoa, and starchy carbs like rice and potatoes. Eliminating caffeinated beverages, like coffee, will also help to reduce feelings of anxiety.
Consider talking to a counselor or friend
Be sure to clear it first with your lawyer, but talking to someone can help you process your emotions. Maybe you feel more comfortable talking to a trusted friend rather than a counselor, and that’s okay. All that matters is that you find someone who will listen and support you.
Meditate
Meditation is a free and easy way to maintain your sense of calm. There are countless types of meditations out there, but you don’t need to do anything complex. Just sit with your spine upright in a chair or sit cross-legged on a cushion on the floor and close your eyes. Take some deep breaths and focus on your breathing. Keep your attention inward and ignore any distractions.
Simple focus and deep breathing is all you need to benefit from meditation. Although, if you prefer, guided meditations work as well.