If you are facing criminal charges in Alabama, you are most likely feeling overwhelmed by your situation and want to make sure you don’t do anything to make it worse. Being charged with a criminal offense is challenging, and it is crucial to understand how to avoid some of the biggest mistakes people make when facing criminal charges.
People facing criminal charges can face jail time and hefty fines if they are convicted. Unfortunately, most people don’t understand how to avoid some of the common mistakes and end up unintentionally incriminating themselves or harming their defense.
We want you to understand how to protect your rights, keep you from harming your case and improve your chances of a favorable outcome. This article will cover some of the most common mistakes people make when facing criminal charges to help you avoid them and worsen your situation.
7 Common Mistakes People Make When Facing Criminal Charges
Once you are charged with a crime, there are several mistakes that you could make that could severely impact the outcome of your case and potentially alter your life permanently. Therefore, hiring an experienced and skilled criminal defense attorney to help protect your rights and freedom is essential.
#1. Waiting to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing criminal charges, the last thing you want to do is wait too long to hire a lawyer. Hiring a lawyer before you have been formally charged is a good idea. Get the representation you deserve, and find a criminal defense lawyer you can trust with experience dealing with your situation to ensure your rights and freedoms are protected.
#2. Talking Voluntarily to the Police Without Your Lawyer Present
When you are being investigated for a crime, the job of the police officers is to do their best to get you to confess. They may act friendly and even tell you they need your help and are on your side. However, voluntarily making a statement without your attorney present can lead you to incriminate yourself and unintentionally damage your case.
Remember that regardless of how friendly the police are when questioning you, they do their best to build trust so you’ll talk openly with them. Anything you say to them or provide in a written statement can be used against you. You have the right to remain silent, and it is an excellent idea to exercise that right and say nothing until your attorney is present.
#3. Agreeing to Take Any Type of Test
You aren’t legally required to agree to any testing such as a breath, blood, or DNA test when you are detained unless there is a court order or your lawyer approves it. Without a warrant, you can’t be forced to take a test administered by the police or anyone else.
#4. Keeping Information from Your Attorney
If you withhold facts from your attorney, you risk damaging your case and making their job of defending you more difficult. They can give you the best legal representation when they have the whole story. Even though you may feel ashamed or embarrassed, you must tell them everything.
#5. Not Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer
When charged with a crime, the first person you should call is a criminal defense lawyer. Choosing not to hire a lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your case and affect you for years to come, costing you money and valuable time. Even if you think you don’t need a lawyer and you think you will choose self-representation, hiring an attorney will improve your chances of having a favorable outcome in your case.
#6. Resist Arrest
While you’re not legally required to speak with the police, you must avoid resisting arrest or getting physical with an officer, which will only worsen your situation. Along with filing additional charges, the police would need more physical force when arresting you, leading to more severe injuries. If a police officer tells you to place your hands behind your back, do so immediately and quietly.
#7. Demand to Be Allowed to Testify
You may think testifying at your trial to prove your innocence is a good idea; however, many things can go wrong; if your testimony is viewed as damaging or you unknowingly commit perjury, it would significantly harm your case. The best choice is to hire an excellent criminal defense attorney and listen to their guidance.
Brackin Law Firm Will Provide You With The Legal Representation You Deserve
If you are facing criminal charges in Alabama, you need a criminal defense attorney with experience and who understands the legal and emotional challenges you are going through.
At Brackin Law Firm, we are here to help you! We know the criminal justice system in Baldwin County, Alabama, and will ensure you receive the best legal representation possible and will fight for your rights and freedom. Our practice areas include Criminal Defense, Family Law, Automobile Injuries, Estate Planning and Elder Law, Eviction, and Real Estate Matters. Contact us for a consultation, and we will start defending you today!