When our better half has a run in with the law, we can do one of two things. We can isolate and admonish them like others, or we can help support them as they navigate the fallout of an arrest. We hope you’ll help support your spouse in tough times, but what are some of the best ways to support a spouse that’s navigating criminal charges? In today’s blog, we share some tips for supporting a spouse that’s facing criminal charges.
Supporting A Spouse Facing Charges
Make no mistake, it’s not going to be easy to support a spouse that’s facing criminal charges. Odds are you are going to feel the effects of the charges and stress is going to ratchet up in your life, but if you can take a deep breath and follow some steps, both you and your spouse can make it through this process relatively unscathed. Here’s our advice:
1. Be A Calm Presence – Things will likely be a bit more chaotic in your household following the arrest of your spouse, so it’s important that you don’t add to the craziness. It’s completely normal to be upset, annoyed, angry or hurt because of your spouse’s arrest, but try to be a calm presence throughout the arrest and trial. You can certainly voice your frustrations, but yelling or screaming at your spouse isn’t going to help the situation. Be an anchor in a storm.
2. Try To Maintain Normalcy – Try to keep on with your life as best as possible while the case plays out. It may be a little more challenging if one spouse is in jail or can’t drive because of the criminal charges, but try to maintain some normalcy for your sake and for the sake of your family. You can’t afford to lose or job or watch your child’s grade suffer because everything fell apart after an arrest. Do what you can to bring some normalcy to the situation.
3. Help Secure The Right Lawyer – Finding a great defense lawyer is essential, even if it seems like your case is unwinnable. They’ll be able to walk you through what you can expect with the case, what your spouse should be doing in the lead up to trial, and what options there are if you’re considering a potential plea deal. Your lawyer will be a wonderful resource for all of your legal questions, and they can provide helpful information to both you and your spouse. Help your spouse connect with a great defense lawyer after their arrest.
4. Discuss Recovery Services – If the arrest involves drugs or alcohol, talk with your spouse about seeking out substance counseling ahead of your trial. If you’d rather not have this conversation, you may be able to talk with your lawyer and see if they’d recommend it to your spouse. Pre-trial counseling oftentimes sends a positive message to the court that your spouse takes the charges seriously and is willing to make changes to their lifestyle to ensure they don’t re-offend in the future. Helping your spouse get addiction or rehabilitation services after a conviction can do wonders for their case and support your family’s overall well-being.
5. Don’t Overlook Self Care – Finally, a lot of the focus is going to be on your spouse in the weeks that follow their arrest, and if you’re doing everything to keep the family afloat during this time, it’s going to wear you down physically, mentally and emotionally. In order to support your spouse, you also need to take care of yourself during this time. Get regular exercise, talk out your concerns with friends or family, and find ways to calm yourself when you’re feeling stressed. Don’t forget to take care of your needs at a time when it may feel like you’re focused on everyone else.
If you keep these tips in mind and connect with a skilled defense lawyer like Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm, we’re confident that you will be able to effectively support your spouse and your family during these challenging times. For more information, connect with Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm today at (952) 224-2277.
