Criminal charges are serious and a conviction can carry harsh penalties, including steep fines and time in jail. Depending on your state and the specific charges, that could amount to thousands of dollars and many years behind bars. Although misdemeanors carry lighter charges, even spending 30 days in jail can feel like a nightmare. If you’re currently facing criminal charges and it’s stressing you out, here’s why it’s in your best interest to get control over how you feel.
Your stress levels can negatively impact your case
It’s only natural to feel nervous, anxious, and even angry when facing criminal charges. Going into the courtroom, you don’t know what’s going to happen or what your fate may be, and that’s nerve wracking.
Feeling stressed out can also be harmful to your case if you end up expressing yourself inappropriately inside the courtroom. For example, if you’re listening to someone share their side of the story and you start shaking your head or throwing your hands around, the judge is going to ask you to stop. If you get emotionally triggered and speak out of turn, you can expect to be reprimanded. The more outbursts you have, whether verbal or just through body language, the more likely you are to be held in contempt of court.
You don’t want the judge to look at you as uncooperative and combative. It’s wise to get your stress and triggers under control as much as possible so you don’t react and ruin your case. This is why it’s crucial to have a criminal defense attorney representing you. A lawyer will help you stay calm by telling you what to expect, what to say and do, how to act, and they will prep you on proper courtroom behavior. They’ll handle your entire defense, including negotiations, so you won’t have to worry about anything. All you need to do is listen to your attorney, heed their advice, and refrain from reacting no matter what the other side says or does.
Prolonged stress can increase healing time
If you were injured in the situation that landed you in court, stress will only prolong the time it takes for you to heal. When the body goes into fight or flight mode, it’s supposed to be temporary. Unfortunately, prolonged stress creates a long-term situation where cortisol and adrenaline are pumped through your system nonstop, which can have a host of negative consequences.
Uncontrolled stress hormones are linked to:
· Headaches
· Poor sleep and insomnia
· Heart disease
· Muscle tension
· Lack of energy
· Lack of concentration
· Digestive issues
· Diabetes
· Depression
· Irritability
· Fatigue
· Obesity
· And more
To maintain optimal health throughout your situation, it’s critical that you learn to control your stress and emotional triggers so you don’t end up feeling even worse.
3 strategies to get control over stress
Stress isn’t good for anyone, and the more tools you have to keep it at bay, the better you’ll feel, and the easier it will be to see your case through. Here are several effective ways to control your stress.
1. Pause and breathe
If it sounds too easy to work, don’t be fooled. The ability to pause and breathe during times of conflict is something that most people have to consciously develop because it doesn’t come naturally. The idea is to notice when you’re feeling stressed or agitated, and then start breathing slowly and deeply. Keep your focus on your breath. This will help your nervous system settle down into a calmer state.
2. Meditate when possible
If you have the opportunity to meditate, do it. Technically, you don’t even need a quiet space to meditate. All you need is the ability to close your eyes and focus your attention for a minimum of five minutes. You might be in a situation where people are constantly loud all around you, or there might not be a private space where you can go to meditate. That’s okay. It’s actually more beneficial to develop meditation skills in the midst of chaos because that’s where the rubber meets the road.
3. Exercise
Physical exercise does wonders to reduce the level of stress hormones in your body. Being physically active positively impacts the nervous system, and that’s what you want. You can go for simple walks, do yoga, or engage in an intense workout – whatever works best for you.
Control your stress to influence a better case outcome
Although your attorney is in charge of your defense, you are in charge of your actions in the courtroom. Take control and don’t allow stress to interfere with the outcome of your case.
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