Three Things Not To Do When Charged With A Crime
If you have been arrested for a criminal offense, chances are a trial is in your future unless you luck out and the charges are dropped. That means that one of your first tasks will be to get a criminal defense lawyer on your side. The next task is to make sure you don't make any of the following mistakes when it comes to talking about your case.
#1: Post your life online
Anything you post online can be fair game for the prosecuting attorney to bring up in court. Get off of all social media, including sites like Facebook as well as personal sites like blogs. If you do continue to post, avoid posting anything about your criminal case or about anyone involved in the case. Also, avoid posting anything that could affect your character in court, such as pictures of you involved in illegal drug use or drinking heavily. Finally, make sure all social media profiles have their privacy on lock down and ask friends not to post about you online.
#2: Sharing too much
The internet is not the only place you can share too much. Sharing with anyone outside of your immediate group of close family and friends could also work against you, since these people could potentially share this information with the prosecutor. You should also never admit anything beyond the basics of the case to anyone, no matter how close, since the court can subpoena people to testify and they will be legally required to break your confidence. If you must talk about your case with someone, your lawyer is your safest choice.
#3: Talking with others involved in the case
Finally, don't remain in contact with anyone else involved in the case, at least not until after the case is over. Trying to reach out to the victim or witnesses, even if it is to apologize or "make things right," is only an admission of guilt that will be used against you in court. Talking with others charged in the crime also looks bad, plus they can influence you or use your words against you so that you end up taking the fall for things that they did. If they contact you, let them know you are free to speak or hang out after your court date. As before, silence is the best option unless your legal counsel instructs otherwise.
For more help, consult with a criminal defense attorney, like one from Boehmer Law, in your area.
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