Dealing With The Legal Consequences Of Being Broke

Posted on: 19 May 2019

If you're facing criminal charges, the first thing you need to do is hire a criminal defense attorney. You can't afford to attempt self-representation, especially during a criminal trial. There will be an entire prosecution team working to prove your guilt in a court of law. Having your own criminal defense team will help you level out the playing field so that you have a chance of proving your innocence. To make sure you have access to adequate counsel, here are four steps you should follow throughout the process.

Obtain a Release on Bail

If you've been arrested, you need to obtain a release on bail. This step is particularly important where your defense is concerned. Your attorney can't work to develop a proper defense if you remain in custody. Not only that, but your access to your defense attorney is limited while you're in police custody, which means you will have few opportunities to sit down and discuss the case. However, once you obtain your bail release, you'll be able to sit down in private to discuss the details of your case.

Be Honest From the Start

When it comes to working with your criminal law attorney, you've got to be honest from the start, even if you're guilty. You may think that you're better off keeping some information to yourself, but that's not the case. Your attorney needs to know all the facts surrounding the case.

Watch Who You Discuss Your Case With

Once you obtain your bail release, watch who you discuss your case with. You may be tempted to discuss details of the case with friends and family members. However, you need to remember that anyone you discuss the case with could be called as a witness. If you've shared information about the events, those details could be used against you. You can reduce that risk by limiting the circle of people that you share information with. For maximum protection, your attorney should be the only person you share information with.

Keep Yourself Out of Trouble While On Bail

If you've been released on bail, keep yourself out of trouble. The last thing you want is to end up back in police custody while you're awaiting trial. Being taken back into custody can add another layer to your case that your attorney will need to work through. Not to mention the fact that your attorney will have limited access to you once you're back in custody.

Don't take chances with your defense. Use the tips provided here to avoid problems that could hinder the defense of your criminal case.