There aren’t a lot of resources on the web for those that need advice about building a criminal defense. Perhaps that’s due to the stigma attached to the idea of going to court. Either way, I’m not here to judge you. I don’t know the ins and outs of your case, and I don’t intend to find out. What I am willing to provide you with, though, is a quick guide to building a defense.
I am by no means an expert in law. Do not take this advice as a substitute for proper legal support. This is simply designed to give you an idea of what to expect and how to act in the immediate aftermath of your arrest. Seek legal advice for a better insight.
Hire A Lawyer
Once you find out you’re being charged with a crime, it’s absolutely imperative that the first thing you do is contact a criminal law attorney. Do not undergo questioning without insisting that your lawyer is present. Even if you have nothing to hide, speaking out of turn or saying the wrong thing at the wrong time could compromise your entire case.
Once you’ve enlisted the help of an attorney, it’s crucial that you’re open and honest with them about the incident in question. Even if that means admitting guilt. Your lawyer is going to act on your behalf no matter what, but they need to know everything. Divulge as much information as you can. This can be tough, especially if you’ve been falsely accused of a crime you didn’t commit. If they are going to protect you, however, they need to know every detail. No matter how insignificant it may seem.
Don’t Break Sanctions
You may have been released on bail, or instructed that you’re not able to leave the country for an indefinite period of time. The last thing you should be thinking of is breaking these sanctions. That in itself is an admission of guilt, and they will catch up to you sooner or later. In addition, don’t even think about skipping bail bonds. Make sure to contact a bail bonds company as soon as possible to post bail for you.
Moreover, spend your time constructing a coherent defense with your lawyer. It may be tough to think straight when you have these worries in the back of your mind but try your hardest.
Understand Your Rights
Your attorney will be able to tell you your rights. Trust me, this isn’t a case of reading you the right act. And you don’t need to have a solid grasp on the law to digest the information he gives to you. But understanding where you stand, your charge, and what to do next is crucial.
It should almost go without saying that, after being released, you should tread carefully. Keep a low profile, keep your head down, and obey the law. Any further trouble you find yourself caught up in is only going to increase your sentence if it comes down to it. At worse, it could forfeit your right to post bail bonds. You don’t want to be detained until the hearing.