5 Major Mistakes to Avoid During Texas Criminal Case

 To err is human. So, it’s obvious that we all make mistakes. It could be a mistake, either you made or the arresting officer made. That’s why you’re entangled in legal trouble in the first place. Irrespective of the reasons for facing a criminal charge, you must know what to refrain from, from now onwards to secure your legal right to a strong defense. In Houston, criminal defense attorneys have witnessed criminal defendants making the following mistakes time and time again. 

 

1. Failure to Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer 

 

You need an attorney and it’s necessary too. Unless you aren’t a lawyer, then you possibly have little knowledge about the way the criminal justice system works. So, you can understand what to expect and what you should guard against while facing a criminal charge. 

That’s why you must hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to protect your legal rights at each stage of the legal procedure. 

 

Initially in the process, your defense attorney can negotiate with prosecutors to minimize the charge against you. Your lawyer can even get the charge dropped completely, depending on the circumstances. Also, your defense lawyer can represent you if your case proceeds to trial. Accordingly, your attorney can fight for your acquittal. Lawyers can do this for their clients who’ve been wrongfully accused of a crime. They can get the charges reduced or dropped. 

 

2. Resisting Arrest 

 

If you haven’t been arrested yet but could be shortly, then it’s necessary not to resist arrest. A natural response while facing a crisis like an arrest is to flee or resist. However, that’s the worst thing to do. You could worsen things by fighting with police and leading to injuries to bring additional charges. Rather you should be polite and respectful while dealing with the cops, simultaneously refusing to answer questions or provide evidence to be used against you. It leads us to the next mistake to avoid. 

 

3. Sharing Every Information with Police 

 

It’s best to cooperate with the police, but only up to a point. Rationally and reasonably respond to their requests to “Stand here” or “Sit there”. However, that doesn’t imply that you need to provide them with any information which might later be harmful to your defense. Even while getting arrested, you have a legal right to decline to answer questions until you have met any authorized criminal defense lawyer. 

 

So, you aren’t legally obligated to speak to the arresting police. This is quite significant since speaking to police even when narrating “your side” of the story may cause you to unintentionally disclose evidence that turns out to be incriminating. Police will attempt to use such incriminating statements against you. Accordingly, they'll ask questions with traps. Remember this while you politely decline to reply to police questions and request that you speak to your lawyer first. 

 

4. Getting in the Way of Your Defense 

 

A few defendants believe in their innocence so emotionally that they get carried away and demand to take a voluntary role in their defense. No matter how persuasive you can be, never try to lead or steer your defense. That’s the job and duty of your defense lawyer. 

 

5. Giving Away Evidence 

 

As you need not answer the questions of the police officers at the time of your arrest, you aren’t legally required to provide them with any other evidence either. Such evidence can include a lot of things. So, you need not provide any of them. For example, you need not provide bodily fluid samples or subject yourself to fingerprinting without any court order. Also, you need not give any personal belongings to the police, like a laptop, mobile, or car keys. There are protections provided by the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, police can't legally search your home, your vehicle, or your belongings without any court order or search warrant. 

 

Inference 

 

Get in touch with the best lawyer in Texas who can bail you out of any legal hassle.