Biggest Mistake to Avoid in Norfolk Criminal Cases
One big mistake is most people answer questions that they are not legally required to answer. In the following page, a Norfolk criminal lawyer explains why this is a mistake.
For some reason, many people are under the misconception that they are required to speak to law enforcement officers and must answer any questions even if the answers will harm their case. This mistaken belief of having to answer oftentimes causes some people to fabricate answers so they are still answering the questions but believe they are helping themselves by covering up what happened. The problem with doing this is that now, what they have said can be used against them and can go towards discrediting them in court.
If they later tell the truth, the prosecution can argue that they are not a credible witness to what happened, even if they are telling the truth, because they have previously stated what ended up being lies. These inconsistent statements will make their testimony in court much weaker than had they simply not said anything at all. The best thing to do if you are unsure of what you say or do is to hire an attorney to avoid falling victim into this major mistake.
Asking to Speak to a Norfolk Criminal Attorney
It is very important to understand that asking to speak with a lawyer does not imply guilt. If you have been placed under arrest and are questioned and you tell an officer you want to speak with an attorney before answering any questions, the officer questioning you can no longer continue to question you. By not speaking with the officer, you are just exercising your right to have a counsel present while being questioned. It is a basic right and not an implication of guilt. The less the person says to the police, the better because all of the statements can be used by the officer once the case gets to court and could be in the favor of the prosecution rather than the defendant.
When You Can Call an Attorney About Norfolk Criminal Cases
You may contact an attorney even before you are officially charged. This is a wise decision so that you are aware of what to expect and how best to ensure your rights are protected and to prepare for what is to come in an intelligent manner. If you are prepared with an attorney, you will have a better understanding of what your obligations are before you are contacted by Norfolk officials. And therefore, you can spare yourself from making costly mistakes that will hurt you later at your own trial. It is important to know when you must answer questions and what questions you do not have to participate in at all.
Contact a Norfolk Criminal Lawyer Early On
It is important to retain counsel so that you are aware of what you can expect and how best to make sure that your rights are protected. An attorney can also advise you so you are able to prepare for your trial intelligently. If you have an attorney, then your attorney can give you a better understanding of your obligations so that you can spare yourself from making mistakes that will hurt your case.