Dos and Don'ts of Criminal Defense

Being accused of a crime can be a frightening experience. This is even more true when you have been arrested and indicted for the crime. As scary and as isolating as this experience may be, it should be a comfort to know that you do not need to go through the process of a criminal defense alone. Your first course of action should be to hire a good criminal defense lawyer who knows the ins and outs of defense against Baytown crime charges. Your lawyer will be able to counsel you as to the best course of action, and will help you to navigate through the complex world of the legal system. In the mean time, here is some advice on what to do (and not to do) in a criminal defense case.

Criminal Defense: Dos and Don'ts

There is much you can do to both help and hinder yourself in your criminal defense, and that is why it is very important that you learn how best to act and react during this difficult time. Check out this list to learn a few of the dos and don'ts of criminal defense:

• Hire an attorney: First and foremost in your mind should be to hire an attorney. In fact, it is advised that you call an attorney immediately following your arrest (even before you contact friends or family). No matter the perceived severity of the crime, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. When your very freedom is on the line, you need an expert who can protect your rights and counsel you appropriately.
• Keep quiet: You are under no obligation to divulge any information to your arresting officers. It is your right to remain silent, and do so until your attorney advises you otherwise. Anything you say or any information you give will help the police build a case against you, so never volunteer information until speaking with your attorney. Likewise, you are under no obligation to admit guilt or deny involvement. Once you are out of jail (and your case is pending) refrain from talking about the case to anyone, friends and family alike. Any information you give may be misconstrued or used against you, so do not discuss the details of your case until a sentence is reached. 
• Be honest: While you are under no obligation to divulge information to any other parties, it is in your best interests to tell your attorney the truth. Now is not the time for pride, shame, or dishonesty. Your lawyer will be best able to help you if he or she has all the information you can provide. 
• Respect legal counsel: There may come a time when your attorney may tell you something you do not want to hear. This may include a recommendation to take a plea bargain. While you are under no obligation to follow your lawyer's recommendations, he or she is the expert in this case. Remember that your lawyer has been through these experiences before, and their counsel should not be taken lightly. 
• Be on your best behavior: The interim between your arrest and your trial is very important. If you are ordered not to contact certain people (a witness or victim may be put under mandatory protection) then refrain from doing so. Never attempt to coerce a witness not to testify, or to falsify information. If the court demands that you stay in the state until your trial, do so. If you are on your best behavior, the court will look favorably upon you, and that will make all the difference when it comes to Baytown crime defense.

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