February 11, 2019 By Paul Wallin

The 4 Most Common Mistakes Defendants Make in Criminal Cases

Our skilled criminal defense attorneys have been successfully defending clients facing criminal charges for more than 40 years. When a client hires Wallin & Klarich, we advise them on how best to handle their case. But sometimes, clients do not listen to our advice and make mistakes. Here are the four most common mistakes defendants make in criminal cases so that you can avoid making them.

1. Sharing Details on Social Media

These days, many people feel like they have to share details of their private lives on public social media. If you’re accused of a crime, you may seek out legal advice on websites and forums. Common Mistakes Defendants Make in Criminal CasesYou may think these online posts are anonymous or private, but that is not true. Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors can track down your posts, messages and images on sites like Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and Reddit.

These can all be used against you in a criminal case, so it is important that you do not reveal details about your case, especially facts that could incriminate you.

2. Disclosing Information about Your Case

If you speak to the police, they will likely try to get you to make incriminating statements. Law enforcement officers may question loved ones about your case. That is why it is very important that you avoid disclosing any information about your case to anyone other than your lawyer.

You have the right to remain silent, and you should tell law enforcement officers who wish to speak to you that you are exercising that right. Always advise law enforcement that you will not speak without your attorney being present. If you provide information to anyone, you could greatly harm your chance to obtain a positive outcome in your case.

3. Failing to Respect the Court

One of the easiest mistakes to avoid is failing to respect the court. If you show up to court late wearing casual clothing, the judge will not believe you are taking the situation seriously. Be sure to show up early on the date of your court appearance and dress in business attire such as a suit or a conservative dress or pantsuit.

4. Hiring an Inexperienced Lawyer

The best thing you can do if you are facing criminal charges is hire an experienced criminal defense law firm. In order to have your best chance at obtaining a favorable outcome in your case, you will want to hire an attorney with experience defending clients facing the same charges as you in the specific court where your case is pending.

For information on how to find an experienced and skilled criminal defense attorney near you to handle your case, read our 10 tips for hiring a criminal lawyer.

Contact the Criminal Defense Attorneys at Wallin & Klarich Today

If you or someone you love has been accused of a crime and are concerned about representation, it is important that you speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. At Wallin & Klarich, our skilled criminal attorneys have more than 40 years of experience successfully defending clients facing criminal charges. Let us help you now.

With offices in Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Victorville, West Covina, Torrance, Los Angeles and San Diego, you can find an experienced Wallin & Klarich criminal defense attorney available near you no matter where you are located.

Call our office today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free phone consultation. We will be there when you call.

AUTHOR: Paul Wallin

Paul Wallin is one of the most highly respected attorneys in Southern California. His vast experience, zealous advocacy for his clients and extensive knowledge of many areas of the law make Mr. Wallin a premiere Southern California attorney. Mr. Wallin founded Wallin & Klarich in 1981. As the senior partner of Wallin & Klarich, Mr. Wallin has been successfully representing clients for more than 30 years. Clients come to him for help in matters involving assault and battery, drug crimes, juvenile crimes, theft, manslaughter, sex offenses, murder, violent crimes, misdemeanors and felonies. Mr. Wallin also helps clients with family law matters such as divorce and child custody.

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