If the police suspect that you committed a crime, they can arrest you. After that, the court will start a criminal case against you if they believe they have enough evidence to prosecute you. As the defendant in a criminal case, you need to play your cards right. One way to do this is by avoiding common mistakes that defendants make during the criminal process. Here are five mistakes you should avoid as you proceed through your case.
1. Representing Yourself
The first mistake many defendants make is thinking they do not need an attorney. Representing yourself in a criminal case is like performing a root canal on a tooth by yourself. You should not face your criminal charges without a lawyer, as the results typically do not turn out well.
2. Lying to Your Attorney
If you decide to hire an attorney, you should be transparent with them about everything. Lying to your attorney is a mistake many criminals make. They think they can prevent problems by lying, but lying to your lawyer may create additional problems. If you do not feel comfortable telling your attorney the truth, then be honest. Tell your lawyer that you would prefer to remain silent instead of speaking the truth. Doing this is better than lying about the details of the case.
3. Speaking During the Arrest
Speaking is another mistake you should avoid. When the police arrest you, you should not say anything. If the court wants you to testify in your trial, do not do it unless your lawyer recommends it. Speaking too much is the ideal way to incriminate yourself.
4. Running from the Situation
The fourth mistake to avoid making is running from the situation. Some criminals believe they can outrun the police. The problem is that you will get caught, and you will face further charges if you flee the area and fail to show up to your hearings.
5. Not Considering the Plea Bargain
The other mistake you should avoid is failing to consider the plea bargain. If you are stuck believing that a trial will result in an innocent verdict, you might not take time to consider the benefits of accepting the plea bargain the court offers.
If you want the best outcome of your case, hire a criminal defense attorney and avoid doing these five things. To learn more, call a law firm of your choice today.
