A criminal defense lawyer is your best ally after you have been charged with a crime. According to the NAACP, there are over 3 million people (about the population of Arkansas) in prison or jail in the United States. Many people are in jail or prison today because they made critical mistakes after being charged with a crime. Here are five mistakes to avoid.
1. You Have the Right to Remain Silent
The time to explain your innocence or to speak about your case is not when you are in custody. You have the right to remain silent and not speak to the police or anyone else but your criminal defense lawyer. Take advantage of that right. Don’t incriminate yourself.
2. You Have the Right to an Attorney
Don’t fight your case on your own. You have the right to expert legal representation. Take advantage of that right and let a criminal defense lawyer develop a strategic defense. Even if this is your first charge, jail time is always possible.
3. You Have the Right to a Trial
A criminal charge is not a conviction. You have the right to defend yourself in court. Don’t appear in court on your own. It would help to have an attorney from your first appearance moving forward. A good lawyer will advocate for you and speak on your behalf.
4. You Have the Right to Defend Yourself
You have the right to provide evidence to the court to exonerate yourself. However, it is not something you shouldn’t do without the help of a lawyer. A good lawyer has the experience to weed through your evidence and choose relevant pieces. It takes legal expertise to ensure your evidence is valid.
5. You Have the Right to Bail
If you have been charged with a crime other than capital murder, the Constitution grants you the right to bail. Bail can be a complex process that a lawyer can help with. A lawyer will have information for trusted bail agents. Bail agents can help you get out of jail so that you can help with your defense case.
Being charged with a crime doesn’t mean you are guilty of a crime. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that just because you are innocent of the crime means you don’t need a lawyer. Call Flynn Law today to get the defense you deserve.