Uh Oh, what did you do?
Facing criminal charges can be stressful, but with the right support, you can go through the ordeal. Things may look terrible, but the worst thing you can do is to get stressed. This is a sensitive time when you need to think straight.
Make the right decisions and avoid letting emotions take control. Unless you think rationally, you cannot express yourself effectively. How you react and conduct yourself right from the beginning has a significant impact on your case.
How to Navigate the Trial Process
Arrange a meeting with your attorney
If you have any papers that your attorney should see, bring them with you. The attorney will review them and help you come up with a concise oral version regarding what took place. If you have any evidence or information that can support the case, share it during this meeting. Avoid trying to convince the Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer how innocent you are. Instead, provide meaningful details that will be helpful in the case.
Watch out for additional charges
When filing paperwork, a prosecutor can add charges to increase your chances of getting higher penalties. That means your past can come haunting you. If you were initially convicted of a felony or have uncharged offenses, be ready to have a complicated case. The prosecutor is allowed to use such information to ensure you get more punishment once convicted. Let your lawyer know about your past so that they may be well-armed. Keep in mind that your history can make you get hard punishment.
Know that your case can be dropped
When facing criminal charges, it doesn’t mean that your case cannot be dropped. In some rare cases, the prosecutor may find you innocent and, therefore, scratch off the case. However, the common reasons why criminal charges may be deleted include lack of report, which is usually prepared by the police officer who arrests you.
Additionally, if the complainer has brought more details or necessary tests have not been done, the matter may be scheduled for the Grand Jury presentation. The prosecutor can also request for more time to investigate. However, with a professional criminal lawyer, it will be easier to maximize such opportunities and have you set free.
Evaluate plea offers
Every case should have a plea bargain, but legally, you are entitled to one. It happens just once, and once rejected, you end up never getting another chance. Some people are serving jail terms they did not deserve because they rejected plea offers before the trial began. You should know that rejecting or accepting a pleas offer is crucial. Discuss it with your attorney so that you make the best decision.
Protect Your Rights
Being charged with a crime can be tough, especially if you’re innocent. Therefore, hire a qualified attorney and be honest with them to ensure you get favorable results. It reaches a point when the evidence is overwhelming, so your lawyer will stop fighting on whether you guilt or, instead, they will try hard to get you the least punishment.
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