Being accused of a crime can be a scary and overwhelming situation. If you know you are innocent, it makes the situation even more difficult.
Along with working with a professional to build a solid defense, it’s also important to avoid some of the most common mistakes people make during their criminal cases.
Mistake 1: Resisting arrest
Regardless of the situation or if you are sure you are innocent, never try to resist arrest. While it’s normal to be scared, don’t fight or argue with the officer who is arresting you. Remain polite and respectful.
Remember, resisting arrest will likely result in additional charges and penalties on top of your other criminal charges. You could even end up convicted on that charge alone.
Mistake 2: Saying too much
The police will ask you questions and even talk to you like a friend. The goal of this is to get as much information out of you as possible. While it’s best to remain cooperative, it doesn’t mean you have to answer their questions.
Regardless of how many times they ask you something, it’s usually best to exercise your right to remain silent. When it comes to criminal charges, there is no “talking your way out of it.” Instead, everything you volunteer will be used to build a case against you.
Protecting your rights and freedom
Facing criminal charges can be scary; however, it’s important to take steps to ensure you don’t make the situation worse. A good place to start is by avoiding the mistakes listed here. This is your best bet when it comes to protecting your rights.