Mistakes That Can Jeopardize Your Criminal Defense Case

Building a strong defense is vital to a positive outcome to any criminal case. Whether you have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor, a skilled criminal defense attorney can help you fight the charge. While not every case can end in dismissal or acquittal, your criminal defense lawyer can help you receive the best possible outcome to your case by ensuring a fair trial and negotiating sentencing options that minimize the impact of an unavoidable criminal conviction. However, launching a successful defense begins not with your lawyer, but with you. Unfortunately, many people jeopardize their cases by committing common mistakes that make prosecution easier and defense more difficult. Help your criminal lawyer build the strongest possible defense by avoiding these frequent errors:

· Speaking with anyone other than your attorney about your case. Virtually everyone is familiar with the section of the Miranda Rights that says, "Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law." This applies not only to things you say to police after your arrest and being read your rights, but also to statements you make prior to your arrest. Family, friends, coworkers, and fellow inmates can also be called as witnesses. Remember that anything you say may be manipulated by the prosecution to indicate your guilt. Protect your right to remain silent, and, aside from your criminal defense lawyer, don't speak to anyone about your case.

· Consenting to a search or providing evidentiary material (hair samples, body fluids, clothing, fingerprints, etc.) without a warrant. Before providing any evidence to police or allowing them to search your home, vehicle, workplace, or body, be sure that they have a valid warrant. Do not consent to a search or provide evidence without your attorney's permission. Police must adhere to certain guidelines in obtaining evidence; if evidence is obtained illegally, it becomes inadmissible. By giving your consent to a search, you eliminate improper search and seizure as a possible defense strategy. If however, police have a valid search warrant or a court order, politely comply with the request and immediately contact a criminal defense attorney.

· Failing to immediately retain an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Being accused of a crime is serious. Even a misdemeanor conviction can have significant, life-altering consequences. To provide yourself the best defense and to protect your rights throughout the process, contact a skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after have been arrested or after you discover you are being investigated. Your attorney can not only begin building your defense and upholding your constitutional rights, but can help you avoid the common pitfalls that could jeopardize your case.

For more information on how to proceed if you have been arrested or charged with a crime, contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately.

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