Common Mistakes People Make With Criminal Cases

Although you may never think you will ever seriously break the law or get caught up in a criminal investigation, it is important that you are prepared for any situation regarding your rights and freedom. By knowing how to properly respond to law enforcement officers as well as knowing what you should or should not do in a number of situations, you can avoid potentially serious and life-altering consequences.

One of the most important things you can do to protect your rights during a criminal case is to have a skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side to help you every step of the way. You don’t have to face this time alone so make sure you have a professional legal representative in your corner.

Avoid These Mistakes

Criminal law can be very confusing and in many cases, even an emotional time. Dealing with these emotions could cause you to make a mistake. Some common mistakes include the following:

• Speaking with a law enforcement agent without an attorney by your side. Without an attorney you could potentially say something self-incriminating. Before answering questions, politely request a lawyer present.
• Giving police permission to search or seizure at your home or work without presenting the proper credentials or search warrant. Also ask to watch the search proceedings if they do have a warrant.
• Giving consent for a policeman to search your vehicle if you have illegal narcotics or paraphernalia in the car. You do not have to give an officer permission to search your car
• Volunteering to give samples of body fluids, handwriting, clothing, or fingerprints. You are not required to give any of the above without a court order or your attorney’s permission.
• Not hiring a criminal defense attorney or not hiring an attorney who focuses his or her practice area on criminal defense
• Not being courteous and polite with police officers. If you are not polite you could give them a reason to use force.
• Resisting arrest. If you do this you are only hurting your case in the future.
• Failing to ask the officer if you are under arrest. If the officer says you are under arrest, you also have the right to know why.
• Not telling your attorney the entire truth or all of the facts of the case. Without all of the facts, your attorney cannot adequately represent you and give you the best chance in court.

By knowing these common mistakes you can be better prepared in case you ever have to deal with law enforcement agents or with criminal charges.