Facing serious criminal charges? Never do these things!
Having criminal charges brought against you is a life-altering experience that can feel overwhelming and scary, especially when you don’t know your fate. While going through the legal system, your actions and choices can significantly impact the outcome of your case, and that’s why it’s crucial to do things right from the start.
For example, if you’re facing a DWI or DUI charge, there’s a chance you might be offered a plea deal. Your life will look drastically different depending on whether you plead guilty to your original charges, accept a plea deal, or wait for a jury trial.
The difference could be years in jail and thousands of dollars in fines.
Don’t try to represent yourself
Only experienced attorneys know how to defend against criminal charges in court. Television and movies have dramatized what happens in a courtroom, and it’s not very accurate.
Although some characters on television make it seem easy to self-represent, in reality, very few pro se defendants come out on top. People who represent themselves have a higher risk of conviction and lack the expertise to recognize and accept a good plea bargain when offered.
Don’t speak to anyone about your case without an attorney
No matter who it is, don’t speak to them about your case without talking to your attorney first or having them present in the room. This includes the police but also friends and family. Anything you say can be used against you, but that doesn’t only apply to statements made to the police.
If you talk to friends and family about your situation, they can end up being subpoenaed to testify against you. You should even be careful about talking out loud to yourself where others may hear you, and writing anything down that another person might discover.
The problem with even just trying to clarify or explain yourself is that statements can be horribly misinterpreted and taken out of context. Always invoke your right to remain silent until or unless your lawyer instructs you otherwise.
Don’t post anything on social media
Never post anything about your case or your life to social media starting the minute you get charged. Even posts unrelated to your case can be used against you in court.
For example, there might be something in the background of your photos that looks like something found at the crime scene, or a post might link you to a specific person where that connection will be used against you.
Social media posts are never truly private.
Although you can turn your social media accounts private, that won’t prevent anyone from accessing your posts. You might be forced to provide your login information and if you don’t, the judge may issue a warrant for your data directly from the platform.
Social media companies routinely hand over data when given a court order.
Stay on top of court deadlines
Throughout your case, in addition to appointments, there will be documents to file and instructions to follow. Missed deadlines and tasks can result in fines, additional charges, and even being held in contempt of court.
If you have a lawyer, you can avoid these issues because they will remind you of your responsibilities.
Don’t hide or destroy evidence
If you are caught tampering with evidence, it can destroy your case. It’s a crime to destroy evidence, and you risk additional charges. In most states, tampering with or destroying evidence is considered a felony, and judges are not shy about adding these charges.
Don’t lie to your lawyer or police
Although it’s perfectly legal for police to lie to obtain information, it doesn’t go both ways. If you lie to law enforcement or your attorney, it will come back on you. Your attorney can only help if they know the complete truth about your situation.
Lies will easily be unraveled as time passes and can ruin your credibility.
If you’re out on bail, follow your conditions
Being out on bail comes with specific responsibilities, so make sure you don’t violate your conditions.
Violations make you subject to immediate arrest.
Don’t go to court without a criminal defense lawyer
When you’re being charged with a serious criminal offense, every move you make counts.
Acting impulsively from fear can complicate your situation by worsening your charges or penalties. By avoiding the mistakes outlined in this article and working with an experienced attorney, you’ll have a better chance of getting a more favorable case outcome.