A Guide by Criminal Attorney in Washtenaw County: Mistakes to Avoid When You Have Been Arrested for Murder
Being arrested can be very challenging. When you are charged, your mind races with countless thoughts, considering things in countless ways all at once. It takes some time to fully understand the situation and to find someone to help explain the whole scenario. Regretfully, your concern could be exploited by someone else against you. In such events, it is best to be aware of certain mistakes you should avoid to protect yourself. The following blog talks about these mistakes provided by criminal attorney in Washtenaw County.
7 Common Mistakes to Avoid Recommended by Criminal Attorney in Washtenaw County
Believing That Your Innocence Will Save You
An innocent person is most likely to be surprised and may start to panic when accused of murder. This is because they know they haven’t done anything wrong, so they don’t expect to be charged with such a serious crime.
However, in our culture and media, the guilty are punished while the innocent go free. Regretfully, that’s not always true. A lot of people are imprisoned due to fake convictions. You wouldn’t want to be one of them, right? Thus, you ought to treat the accusation with extreme gravity and use every effort to support your criminal attorney in Washtenaw County in defending your case.
Making Statements During the Arrest
Remember, police officers are clever. They ask you questions during a stop that you are not required to respond to. It is not required of you to disclose to them whether you have had alcohol or whether you have recently been at the scene of a crime, even though you are legally required to provide them with your name and other basic personal information.
Even if you are innocent, it is still in your best advantage to use your right to silence until you have spoken with a criminal attorney in Washtenaw County about these issues. Remember that even anything as basic as laughing or physical gestures could be interpreted incorrectly.
Not Realizing That You Are Most Likely Being Recorded
With the advancement in technology, a majority of police officers now drive vehicles that have recording devices and body cams installed. It is important to remember that you can be recorded while seated in your jail-holding cell or the rear seat of a police car. If you are being arrested by the police, keep in mind that you might be filmed, so act in a way that you wouldn’t mind being seen by a jury. Avoid showing aggressive gestures, as they could worsen your case.
Resisting Your Arrest
Nobody enjoys being placed under arrest, so if you think the police are abusing their power or have no justification for an arrest, you could find it tempting to resist. But remember that if you struggle, the arresting officer will feel compelled to use even more force, which will only worsen the situation. Further charges may also result from your resistance. Make a mental note of everything that occurs if you believe your rights are being violated so you can later inform your criminal attorney in Washtenaw County.
Do Not Post Anything About Your Case on Social Media
Never share anything about your arrest on social media, just as you shouldn’t talk to anyone about it or your criminal case. Don’t post any images, text, or other content on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other social media platform related to your criminal charges.
A criminal attorney in Washtenaw County suggests refraining from posting anything related to illegal activity that can lead to your detention. Your social media posts could be used as evidence against you by the prosecution in court.
Consulting With Friends and Relatives Instead of a Lawyer
It’s possible that your closest friend was charged with similar offenses but was not punished. On the other hand, your sister might have become a legal assistant or attended law school. Despite the good intentions of your loved ones, they are not qualified or certified attorneys. It’s advisable to follow your lawyer’s guidance regarding your case.
Ignoring Alibi
Remember to pay attention to your alibi if you ever get arrested. Take mental notes of who is with you, where you are, and anyone who knows your location. Keep track of any receipts or documents that show the date and time to prove your innocence in court. Your alibi can be anything from a small receipt to a person, so make sure you take note of everything around you and inform your criminal attorney so they can use it to prove your innocence.
Final Thoughts
Being arrested for murder is traumatizing itself. In such situations, innocent people tend to panic and make mistakes. It is important to stay alert and avoid these seven mistakes. Remember that the penalties for breaching the law might be lifelong, so it’s best if you don’t put your fate in someone’s hand who is not trustworthy or skilled.
Hiring a professional criminal attorney in Washtenaw County to guide you through the case-handling procedure is the best approach to prevent jail time or heavy penalties. Give us a call today!