Tips for Working with a Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you have been accused of a criminal offense, having experienced legal counsel can make all the difference in your case. All too often, people do not understand the criminal justice system in Florida and so, they make critical errors because they do not understand their rights, or know how to fight back against the charges filed against them. However, hiring a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer is not enough, unfortunately. Your own actions will greatly affect how a criminal defense lawyer can help with your case.
Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer Right Away
Of course, if you have not already contacted a criminal defense lawyer, this should be your first step. When working with a lawyer from the very beginning of your case, they can help you throughout every stage of the criminal process. Even if you have not been arrested, but you think you might be in the future, an attorney’s defense could make all the difference. Truthfully, it is extremely stressful to be taken into custody and interrogated. Instead of going it alone, having experienced counsel will ensure you do not miss deadlines or mistakenly make admissions.
Be Completely Honest with Your Attorney
Opening up to your lawyer can be difficult. You will have to trust someone you do not know with very personal details of your life. It is natural to want to give a good impression. It is important to know that your lawyer does not expect perfection from you. It is critical that you remain honest with your attorney so they are not blindsided in court or during negotiations with the prosecution. And remember, most everything you speak with your lawyer about is covered by attorney-client privilege, meaning that the private conversations you have with your lawyer are completely confidential.
Follow Your Attorney’s Advice
When you have been charged with a criminal offense, a lot of people in your life will give you advice. Although this advice is well-intentioned, following it can have very negative consequences. Your lawyer may recommend that you take or avoid certain actions. It is important to only take advice from your attorney and that you always follow their recommendations. Failing to do so can hurt your case and jeopardize your future.
Do Not Take Any Actions Without Consulting Your Lawyer
Perhaps you think that talking to the alleged victim can help you both straighten things out. Or, maybe you want to contact witnesses to make sure that their memory of events is aligned with yours. Maybe you even want to visit the crime scene to determine if there is evidence that was concealed or overlooked. Regardless of the action you want to take, do not do anything until you speak with your attorney. Many of these actions can make things much worse.
Call Our Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Now
The decisions made in your case are up to you. However, working with our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer at Haber Blank can help you understand the law that applies to your case, your rights, and the best strategy for moving forward. Call us now at 954-767-0300 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help with your case.
Source:
flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2021/Chapter914
