Trauma-Informed Criminal Defense
In the aftermath of a traumatic event, it can feel like your life is hurtling out of control.
You may find yourself feeling afraid, irritable, or overwhelmed by shame or other negative emotions. It can be difficult to make sense of what happened, and consequently it may feel like an insurmountable task to talk about those experiences with others. These vulnerable moments can leave you feeling disconnected and misunderstood if not approached with deliberate empathy.
Traumatic events include instances of physical, emotional, and/or life-threatening harm and can impact multiple aspects of a person’s life, including mental and physical health. Because trauma is often a central aspect of Nelson Defense Group’s cases, our lawyers prioritize our clients’ emotional well-being by practicing trauma-informed criminal defense.
What is trauma-informed criminal defense?
In many cases, a traumatic experience may be the reason that you are seeking legal counsel. It is therefore the advocate’s responsibility to ensure that you are well cared for throughout the process. Trauma-informed criminal defense places your mental and emotional well-being at the forefront of the client-attorney relationship and ensures that every decision made and every strategy explored considers those aspects of your life as well.
According to a CDC study on adverse childhood experiences (“ACEs”), 61% of adults have likely experienced at least one traumatic event prior to age 17, and nearly 1 in 6 reported that they have experienced four or more types of ACEs. Our lawyers know that your experience with trauma at any stage of life can impact your case – whether directly related to your case or not.
That you get through this and feel supported is our priority.
Our lawyers will work with you to understand your unique situation and adapt litigation strategies accordingly. You can get through this, and our experienced team of trauma-informed criminal defense attorneys can help.
The Value of Performing Under Pressure
When your freedom hangs in the balance, the pressure is on, from every angle. Criminal charges are life-changing regardless of the outcome of your case. It is important to have an attorney behind you from the very start who can not only navigate the pressures of your unique case but thrive in the face of opposition. An effective criminal defense attorney will calmly litigate throughout the legal process and react appropriately to any curveball thrown at them.
Stability in Your Time of Crisis
Your case is unique, and therefore so are its stressors. Legal proceedings can be mentally and emotionally taxing, so it is essential that your attorney provides stability and confidence in this time of crisis. Research indicates that the accuracy of eyewitness testimony can waver in moments of intense stress because stress affects our brain’s ability to retain information, process information and throws off reactions. The courtroom is a high-stress environment, but a well-trained criminal defense attorney will have experience and strategies to deal with those on the fly – relieving some of the stress that you endure day to day.
Confident and Competent Litigation
Throughout your case, the prosecutor will generate pressure in an effort to discredit you and your perspective. You have your lawyer to defend you against this; they will confidently advocate on your behalf throughout litigation, maintaining composure during your case’s most challenging moments. This composure can make or break the outcome of your case. Juries keenly pick up on an attorney’s ability to maintain confidence and control over the courtroom.
Nelson Defense Group’s attorneys are motivated by compassion, which translates into the most effective representation for our clients. Your case requires an attorney who will calmly negotiate with prosecutors and exhibit strength, honesty and competency at trial. Nelson Defense Group’s attorneys have a demonstrated track record of doing so at every stage of court proceedings, from the client’s initial consultation onward.