5 Things You Must Never Do When Facing Criminal Charges

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If facing criminal charges, the first thing to do is hire a reputable lawyer for help. Whether the possible penalties include imprisonment, fines, or other unpleasant things, you’ll want the best legal assistance to secure a favorable outcome so you can move on with your life as soon as possible.

There’s a lot at stake. Even if you’re found not guilty or see the charges thrown out before the trial concludes, the personal and professional harm of even facing criminal allegations could be hard to overcome.

A good criminal defense lawyer can tip the scales of justice in your favor. But even the most skilled lawyer might be at a loss for words if you make easily avoidable errors. What might seem like an innocent slip-up to you might be a big problem that makes things harder for your lawyer.

Since you don’t want to jeopardize your criminal case, do yourself and your lawyer a favor by avoiding these five mistakes.

1. Speaking to the Police Without Your Lawyer Present

One of the worst mistakes you can make is talking to the authorities without your lawyer. While some think there’s nothing to worry about if you’re innocent, that’s not how things work.

You have the right to remain silent, get a lawyer, and have the lawyer by your side if you agree to be questioned by the police. Speaking to the authorities without a lawyer present is a mistake.

Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You might say something that comes across as self-incrimination, which can land you in legal hot water. So, it bears repeating, don’t speak to the police without your lawyer.

2. Sharing Details About Your Case With People You Know

It might be difficult not to share details about your case with people you know and who have your best interests in mind. However, sharing information about your criminal case could reveal information that jeopardizes your chances of a successful outcome.

You might think you’re sharing information confidentially, but someone you share case details with might share it with others. And if the information lands in the wrong hands, that could spell trouble for you. If you’re tempted to share details with someone other than your lawyer, ask your lawyer whether or not the information is something you can safely share.

3. Failing to Adhere to Court Orders

Another mistake to avoid at all costs is failing to adhere to any instructions given by the court. If you don’t follow the orders completely, you better have a good reason. One thing’s for certain. You can face tough penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and other penalties for flouting the court’s requirements.

You’ll make it harder for your lawyer if you do things that you shouldn’t. If anything, the judge might reprimand your criminal defense lawyer for not getting you to do what you’re supposed to. So, do yourself a favor and ensure you don’t violate court orders.

4. Failing to Take the Criminal Charges Seriously

You don’t want to take the charges against you lightly. Being optimistic is one thing. When you retain the right criminal defense attorney, you’ll have a lot to be positive about. But the legal professional will also give you a reality check in short order. The legal professional will explain the charges, lay out the possible consequences, and give you an honest assessment of the most likely outcomes.

It’s in your best interests to listen to your lawyer. The results of a criminal case can change your life – for better or worse. You don’t want to take the matter lightly since criminal charges are nothing to sneeze at.

5. Being Dishonest With Your Lawyer

You shouldn’t lie to your lawyer. And, yes, half-truths are lies, too. Your lawyer is in your corner. You need to be 100% truthful in your communication with your criminal defense lawyer so they can build a strong case and give you the best odds of success.

Avoid these mistakes at all costs. You don’t want to make matters worse for yourself when facing criminal charges. But that’s exactly what you could do if you commit any of these five errors.