Yes. It will help in negotiating a plea bargain. It will also permit you to testify in your defense at trial (usually a bad idea because of priors), if necessary.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/18/2011

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Having a clean record will always help in a criminal case. Having a good attorney is a big help too. If you are convicted or if your plead guilty the clean record will help to get you low term on the time in jail. If you do not settle the case having a clean record will give you more creditability. If it is in your best interest to enter into a plea agreement the clean record will help you get the charges reduced.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/18/2011

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You need to retain an experienced criminal law specialist with whom you feel comfortable to assist you through this. Yes it is better to have a clean record than a history of prior convictions.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/18/2011

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Your past Criminal Record, or the lack of it, will help very much in arranging for a plea bargain or sentencing at trial. You need to hire an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney or request a Public Defender.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/17/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Yes and no. Unfortunately, it's still a felony the first time to you do it. It's not a defense to say "I'd never done it before this incident". At the same time, having a clean record might help persuade the DA and the probation department that you're a good candidate for rehabilitation and that you should be dealt with accordingly.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/17/2011

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The lack of a record is almost always helpful. The cleaner the better. however, that does not mean that you should not retain competent counsel. Counsel, more so than you, should be able to make good use of you prior good behavior.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/17/2011

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The lack of a criminal history will help if you are trying to negotiate with the district attorney with a plea. However, the lack of a criminal history may not have as much of an impact depending on the charges.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/17/2011

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It is certainly better than if you had a bunch of priors, but it depends on what felony charge you are facing.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/17/2011

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Absolutely! Having a clean record makes a tremendous beneficial affect when you are charged with a crime. However if the defendant is 18 years old the absence of a criminal record will not carry the same weight as a person who is fifty years old and has never been charged with a crime. Improve your odds by hiring a criminal defense attorney to help on your case.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/17/2011

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Absolutely. The fact that you have never been in trouble helps in the plea bargaining stage. You are likely to get a better offer than if you had previous convictions.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/16/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Having a clean record usually helps when you are facing any type of criminal charge. A lack of criminal history can often help in negotiating a better settlement, and will sometimes help even get the case dismissed. Other factors must also be considered such as the seriousness of the new offense, injury to the victim, etc... You should speak with a qualified criminal defense lawyer about the details of your particular circumstances. All consultation are confidential, and you need not worry about making incriminating statements during the course of your consultation.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/16/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.

Yes, it helps. But what will really help is having a good lawyer.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/16/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.