You’ll have to go to trial in a court of law if accused of criminal offenses. The whole legal process can be overwhelming when it’s your first time. Also, the worry of going to jail could lead to mistakes that may later cost you. Thus, you must remember some rules of thumb to adhere to so you don’t reduce your chances of winning.
Remember, unless the jury finds you guilty, you’ll not be convicted of any crimes. As you wait for the process to unfold, you must ensure you play your part well. This article explains what you should and shouldn’t do:
Do’s
If you play your innocence card right, there’ll be nothing to put you behind bars. Here are the necessary do’s:
- Cooperate With The Law Makers
The police will treat you as a criminal until you can prove your innocence. Having handled several criminals, they’re convinced even the guilty can trick them into believing they’re innocent, so any smooth talk will be treated as hot air.
It’s best to maintain a good rapport with the authorities. Don’t resist arrest. It’s best to cooperate and let them do what they’re legally required to do. Obeying their orders helps you avoid additional legal problems.
If you attempt to run, the police will be forced to use additional force to capture you. You may also have additional charges for resisting arrest.
- Hire A Lawyer
You’re legally entitled to a lawyer if arrested. And that’s the first thing to do after your arrest. Most people fear that asking for a lawyer makes them look guilty. But you stand a better chance with one than without. If you engage the law enforcers without a lawyer, they might turn that against you, and you’ll not get better results.
You’ll be tempted to get a bailout, but on the flip side, that can be expensive. Instead of taking the long route, you can call your lawyer immediately as they can help negotiate your bail money and set your hearing date.
They might also be able to convince the court that you’ll attend your hearings and, thus, have them release you without paying a dime. For these reasons, it’s essential to research a well funded firm ensuring you the best defense lawyers.
- Remain Silent And Don’t Answer Any Questions
One of your rights is to remain silent and not respond to any questions from the police officers. It doesn’t make you guilty. For one, you avoid saying something they can use against you.
In most cases, the police might decide to go for a witch hunt and question you on how things happened. Remember, they’re supposed to build a case that proves you’re guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Thus, the police may only arrest you if they see you commit a crime or are convinced you’re guilty.
You can’t possibly talk your way out of the arrest situation. Remaining silent gives you the advantage of telling your side of the story to the lawyer. Then, they’ll do their best to get you out of trouble.
- Be Honest With Your Lawyer
It would be best if you tell it as it is to your lawyer. Leave no details behind. Share the occurrence of events, dates, and times. Your side of the story helps build a strong case against your accusers.
Your lawyer will ask you questions concerning everything that happened, and you must be honest with your answers. Even if you don’t remember some details, try laying bare as much as possible.
You shouldn’t be worried about the conversations you have with your lawyer as these are considered confidential, and they are sworn to secrecy. The lawyer will only use the facts to help build your case and challenge any kind of evidence unfavorable to you.
- Comply With Pre-Trial Requirements
Compliance gets you in the good books of the court. If your lawyer manages to get you out of jail, the best you can do is fulfill all the requirements required by the court. If you have a hearing, show up on time per schedule. It must have taken your lawyer a lot to have you not put behind bars. Therefore, it shouldn’t be a problem for you to comply with all the requirements for a pre-trial.
Don’ts
Now that you know what you’re lawfully required to do if arrested, consider the following don’ts:
- Don’t Approach Witnesses Or Victims Personally
Approaching witnesses or victims can be viewed as a way of obstructing justice. In most cases, the victims and witnesses are cooperating with the authorities, and if you reach out to them, they’ll talk about your actions, which may negatively impact your case.
You can inform your lawyer about the details of the witnesses and leave it at that. Your lawyer can best organize and work with this information without involving you.
- Don’t Share Any Information With Others
Sharing information about your case can land it on the wrong ears–additionally, the fewer people who know about it, the better for your attorney. If you involve several people in your case, you can make matters complicated. The more interviews the police have to conduct, the more the chances of finding a difference in your testimonials.
Your lawyer should be the only person you freely share the information concerning your case because it is in their best interest to win it. Therefore, avoid sharing information online or with confidants.
- Don’t Let The Police Listen To Your Phone Conversations
While it may be necessary to talk to your lawyer, avoid phone calls. You never know who’s listening. Remember, your lawyer is the only person who should have your truth. If someone taps the line, they might listen to your conversation and steal some information. You have the right to a phone call but avoid giving details through the phone. Your lawyer should come and have a one-on-one meeting with you. This way, you’re assured no one else could be listening.
- Don’t Tamper With Evidence
Your prosecutor will use evidence to prove you’re guilty. Don’t make things easy for them by having marks on the evidence. Even if you feel guilty, you should have no business tampering with evidence.
- Don’t Submit To Any Tests Without Legal Counsel
It’d help if you let the lawyers stay in charge of matters regarding your case. Thus, avoid DNA tests and unwarranted searches. If the police want to search, they must have a warrant. If you give out samples of your DNA, there’s a possibility of evidence tampering. Since you don’t know the motives of everyone, it’s best to leave your lawyer to handle everything.
Conclusion
Criminal allegations are typically tricky, and you must be extremely cautious when handling one. You can’t afford to be careless about hiring a lawyer. Legal matters require cautious precision as slight mistakes could result in getting behind bars.
Ensure you hire an experienced lawyer to take on your case. It increases your chances of proving your innocence. Also, follow all the suggestions above, which could make your case easier.
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