Having a pending criminal case hanging over your head can leave you feeling a lot of different emotions – scared, anxious, unprepared and concerned to name a few. This can leave you in a pretty unhealthy headspace, which isn’t a good place to be. However, if you are proactive about how you approach your time while you’re awaiting trial, you can have a more positive mindset. In today’s blog, we share five tips for staying positive while you’re waiting for your trial to start or conclude.
Staying Positive While Awaiting Trial
Here are some simple things you can do to help ease your anxiety and get into a healthier headspace while you’re awaiting trial.
1. Consult With Your Lawyer – Working with a lawyer can really help to alleviate stress because you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that you’re in good hands. They can help explain how they’ll build your defense or work to avoid a worst case scenario, both of which can help to put your mind at ease.
2. Consider Pre-Trial Courses – If your criminal case involved alcohol or drugs, it’s sometimes helpful to take a pre-trial diversion or education course. Some people are afraid to pursue these because they think it makes them look guilty, but in the right situation, it can help show the court that you’re serious about taking positive steps in your life. You may not need to take any of these courses after your trial has concluded if you’ve already taken them, which can also be helpful.
3. Exercise – Exercise can help to clear your mind from the stresses of the day. It’s helpful after a long day at work or during other particular stressful times of your life, and having a pending criminal trial can certainly be stressful. Many people find it helpful to exercise to help clear their head, but find a healthy outlet for stress so that it doesn’t become overwhelming.
4. Stay Out Of Trouble – Getting in more trouble can compound your legal issues and lead to more negative emotions, so stay out of trouble while your case is pending. While that may sound easier said than done, don’t put yourself in potentially bad situations. Many clients find it helpful to avoid certain people or places (like bars or establishments that serve alcohol) while their case is pending.
5. Control What You Can Control – Finally, many clients find it easier to calm their racing mind if they reflect on controlling only what they can control. You can’t think about what might happen if the judge throws the book at you, because that’s only going to beget more worry. Instead, ask yourself if you’ve done everything you can to put yourself in a good positive. Have you hired a lawyer? Followed their advice? Done any pre-trial courses? Stayed out of trouble? If so, you can take solace in knowing you’ve done your part to help earn a more favorable outcome, and that should bring some peace of mind.
For more information, or to help calm your nerves by hiring one of the best in the business to represent you at trial, reach out to Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm today at (952) 224-2277.
