5 Mistakes That Can Harm Your Criminal Case

 

In every criminal case, things can affect the outcome in ways you may not realise. Sometimes these mistakes can be innocent oversights on your part, but it’s important to know what they are and the steps you can take to correct them as soon as possible so that your case doesn’t suffer the consequences. Read more below to learn about five mistakes that can harm your criminal case and how to avoid them.

1.      Not Hiring Criminal Lawyers in NSW

While you may feel that you can represent yourself in a criminal case, it is not something to take lightly. The stakes are high, and any mistake you make could mean the difference between winning and losing your case. You may end up with a sentence that is much more severe than what you were originally facing. There is no guarantee that you will be able to handle all of the legal complexities involved. So, it’s always a good idea to seek legal assistance from a criminal law barrister.

2.      Sharing Information Without Your Lawyer's Presence

The first mistake that can affect your criminal case is speaking to the police without a lawyer’s presence. This is one of the most important parts of any criminal defence, and you should never talk to the police and share any information without a lawyer. If you are in custody, politely refuse to speak with them until your lawyer arrives. If they ask you questions anyway, don't answer anything other than your name and date of birth.

3.      Accepting a Plea Agreement Without Consulting the Lawyer

One of the worst mistakes you can make is accepting a plea agreement without consulting your defence lawyer. It may seem like taking a plea bargain is the easiest way to avoid going to trial, but your lawyer may be able to negotiate something better. The stakes are high, so it's worth asking for help before making a decision that could haunt you for years.

4.      Resisting Arrest

Many people are under the impression that it is illegal to resist arrest. This is not always the case. Resisting arrest can be a crime if you actively use violence or force against an officer. There may also be circumstances where police officers make an unlawful arrest, and you are only trying to escape this unlawful imprisonment. Resistance in such cases may not be a crime at all, but it can still lead to your prosecution for other offences.

5.      Destroying Evidence

The most common mistake that can harm a criminal case is the destruction of evidence. The destruction of evidence is usually done by accident. Some people think that getting rid of the evidence will make it easier to get out of trouble. This is not true and usually has the opposite effect on a person's criminal case, leading to more charges being filed against them or even worse consequences such as jail time.

If you’re charged with a criminal offence, please seek legal assistance from a seasoned criminal lawyer.