This past year, I was in an absolute panic when charged with a misdemeanor in what was a big, stupid, misunderstanding. Having never been charged with a crime before, I had no idea what to expect. I couldn't afford a private attorney, yet I needed someone who could take the time to sit down and talk to me about what I was up against.
Things were complicated because the Prosecutor kept telling me if I didn't take a plea that day, or if I wanted to set the case for trial, they would re-file the charge as a felony. I knew I couldn't face a felony, but I was completely unsure what was in store for me if I entered a plea to a misdemeanor. You see, I am licensed in the health care industry for my profession, and I faced the possibility of losing my license and ultimately my livelihood if I was convicted of a felony.
Catherine was my attorney. She talked to the Prosecutor who agreed to continue the case and still hold open the misdemeanor offer until we had a chance to sit down and talk about all my options. Catherine did such a great job calming me down and going over all of my choices. I was in excellent hands.
We decided not to risk trial and a felony charge, but to take a plea, asking for a deferred sentence. My license and my job would not be put in jeopardy. We wrote out a detailed explanation to the Judge about what happened. The Judge seemed to have understood why I acted so out of character. She sentenced me to a deferred sentence and Community Service. At the end of a year the charge will be dismissed.
A lot of good came out of this process. I preformed my community service hours and found the time very rewarding, and since then I have continued to volunteer at that location.
I really felt like Catherine was the only person who listened. She was sincere, and she cared. I got to meet a kind, caring, knowledgeable attorney who helped walk me through a stressful, difficult time of my life. I can't tell you how lucky I was to have Catherine on my case.
-Keely Austin
