What to Do When You’re Accused of a Crime
Most people don’t think they’ll ever see much criminal law outside of their favorite detective TV show. However, unseen circumstances happen, and you may one day find yourself accused of a crime. It’s best to be prepared for whatever may arise and know how best to proceed should you ever find yourself accused of a crime.
Get a Lawyer
If you’ve been accused of a crime, the first thing you need to do is to hire a lawyer to defend your case. Lawyers understand the legal system better than you do, and can accurately lay out your options. Your lawyer can tell you the likelihood of your success in court, and help you get through the legal proceedings with as little pain as possible. Depending on the crime of which you’ve been accused, your lawyer can also negotiate a deal with the prosecution to avoid charges. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be provided for you from the state. It is unwise to represent yourself in court. However, if you choose this course of action, it is still a good idea to get advice from a lawyer before doing so.
Follow Your Lawyer’s Counsel
Once you’ve secured a lawyer, the work begins. Your lawyer is on your side. They will do everything in their power to win the trial. Your job is to heed their counsel. Your lawyer knows what they’re doing, and it’s important that you do exactly as they say. Switching lawyers can weaken your defense in a criminal case. Be sure of your choice from the beginning to avoid this. Your attorney may ask you to collect certain evidence or avoid leaving a certain area. This is for your own good. Listening to your lawyer’s counsel is your best bet at making it through the trial.
Weigh Your Options
At this point, there are several ways you could proceed. An accusation isn’t enough to go to trial, so the prosecution will be compiling evidence to present to a grand jury. During these proceedings, you and your lawyer have the opportunity to settle the case with the prosecutor. You can attempt to reach an agreement without the jury. If you’re unable to settle the accusation privately, you will have the opportunity for a plea before the court. Discuss with your lawyer the best plea option for you. If you decide to plead not guilty, your case will go to trial. Making the most of these options before your case goes to trial allows you the chance to have the charges dropped.
Being accused of a crime isn’t something you want to think about. However unlikely it may be that you’ll face this situation, it’s good to be prepared. Knowing what your options are, and how best to proceed if you are accused of a crime can save you.
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