Being charged with a crime can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. In many cases, you may not know what the charge means, the potential penalties you face, or even the next possible happening. People accused of crimes tend to make unintentional mistakes that get them in more trouble.
Most people facing criminal charges in Arizona for the first time have no idea about what to do and what not to do. A first offense can be scary, which makes it crucial to seek legal advice from a skilled Phoenix criminal defense lawyer. They can help you understand how the criminal law system works and what steps you can take to ensure that your rights are protected.
This article will give you an overview of what you should and should not do if you are accused of a crime.
Out of all the mistakes defendants make when facing criminal charges, failing to hire an attorney is probably the biggest one. Without the assistance of an experienced attorney, you are vulnerable to making mistakes that can’t be undone. Defending yourself is a very risky idea if you’re facing criminal charges.
You have the right to be represented by a knowledgeable Phoenix criminal defense attorney in your criminal case. Doing so will help ensure you have someone fighting for your rights and working to minimize the penalties you face. Generally speaking, you should listen to your attorney’s advice and allow them to guide you through the legal process.
If you are charged with the crime, the process begins with the arraignment or appearance. This is where you will be informed about the charges you face and the release conditions. These conditions can include bail, pretrial service release, release on your recognizance, or arrest without bond. If at any point before your trial, you are released from custody, you must follow the conditions of your release.
The pretrial negotiation process allows the defense and prosecution to discuss and exchange evidence. This is when both parties can negotiate, and plea resolutions can be reached. If negotiations proceed and a deal is made, you come to a plea bargain. If the plea bargain is accepted by the court, you will skip the trial straight to sentencing. A qualified Phoenix criminal defense attorney can help go with you through this complex process.
The first thing you should never do when facing criminal charges is to act arrogant or defensively. You won’t be able to fight or negotiate your way out of the situation. Hence, be respectful and polite at all times. You must understand that judges and jurors have immense authority. Therefore, treating them with the utmost respect is essential in your trial.
The fear of arrest makes people cooperate with the police, believing that cooperation will make it easier for them. Dealing with police doesn’t come naturally to many people. Since they are trained in obtaining information from potential crime suspects, it is valuable to understand what you should and should not do if you are arrested for a crime. You should only discuss your charge in detail with your reliable Phoenix criminal defense attorney.
If you’ve been charged with a crime, you shouldn’t speak to a law enforcement officer or the Phoenix police department about the crime under any circumstances. This includes written and oral statements following the arrest. When you’re arrested, a police officer should read your Miranda Rights, starting with the most well-known right to remain silent. If your constitutional rights were violated, confessions and statements you made and evidence collected by the police officer might be inadmissible.
When you’re facing criminal allegations, it can be tempting to talk about your case with family members, friends, and loved ones. You may want someone to be on your side, or you want to vent about how unfair the charges are. However, discussing the details of your case with anyone other than your attorney can lead to serious legal trouble.
Remember, anything you say or do can be used against you in a court of law. The best thing for most people is to keep quiet about their cases until they have spoken with a credible Phoenix criminal defense attorney who can explain what is going on and help them understand how best to proceed.
Approaching witnesses or victims can jeopardize the possible outcome of your criminal case. These victims or witnesses are most likely cooperating with the Phoenix police and law enforcement officials. Therefore, any interactions you have with them could be considered witness tampering or obstruction of justice. It is crucial to maintain your distance to give your attorney the best chance to use these individuals to help your case instead of hurting it.
In this video, Attorney Snader talks about the very mistakes people should avoid when they are facing criminal charges in Arizona. From speaking with law enforcement without a lawyer present to approaching eye witnesses, watch the video to make sure you are able to avoid any consequences.
Being charged with a crime is an extremely burdensome experience a person can go through. If you or a loved one is dealing with a criminal case, you are likely feeling a lot of uncertainty. When you face criminal charges, the results could be life-altering. Under Arizona law, some possible consequences of a conviction are facing prison time, hefty fines, and a criminal record.
Due to the severity of the consequences, legal representation is imperative when facing criminal charges in Arizona. When your freedom and future are at stake, you need legal help from our experienced Phoenix criminal defense attorney at Snader Law Group, who will do everything to fight your charge. Let our criminal defense law firm guide you through the dos and don’ts of the legal process and fight for the best possible outcome for your case. No matter what crime you’ve been accused of, Howard A. Snader and his team will provide the best criminal defense available in your situation.
Know and protect your rights today. Call us now and schedule your initial free consultation.
