The first mistake many California criminal defense lawyers make is trying to defend their clients by making the case against the prosecution and arguing for a lesser sentence than the prosecutor is asking for. This is not a strategy to be used because it is doomed to failure.
If you are facing criminal charges in California, you need to hire a good attorney. However, the attorney you choose matters just as much as your case. Some attorneys are well-known in their community, others are not. For those who have never had a criminal defense lawyer before, you may be surprised to find out that choosing a criminal defense lawyer is similar to choosing any other type of lawyer.
You should research the attorney you are interested in hiring, as well as his or her experience and credentials. But the best way to avoid costly mistakes is to make sure you hire a criminal defense lawyer who has a proven track record of winning cases.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Before hiring a criminal defense lawyer, you need to ask yourself a few questions. Here are six mistakes to avoid when searching for a criminal defense lawyer in California.
1. Hiring a lawyer who’s in your city
You should avoid lawyers who work solely in your city because they might be biased toward your case. if you’re from San Francisco, you should look for a lawyer who specializes in San Francisco cases. Your lawyer may also lack experience. A criminal defense lawyer who’s new to the game may lack the experience to effectively handle a complex case.
2. Hiring an inexperienced lawyer
You should avoid hiring a criminal defense lawyer who lacks experience.
A good attorney should have at least a few years of experience.
To find an experienced criminal defense lawyer in your area, you can simply ask your friends, colleagues, and former clients.
3. Hiring an expensive lawyer
When you’re looking for a criminal defense lawyer, you need to be careful not to hire an expensive lawyer.
In some cases, an expensive lawyer can lead to an unfair trial.
For example, an expensive lawyer may use his or her money to influence the jury.
While you can’t always blame a lawyer’s high price on a particular circumstance, you can’t afford to pay a large fee for a lawyer who’s unlikely to win your case.
4. Hiring an attorney who doesn’t specialize in your case
You should avoid hiring an attorney who doesn’t specialize in your case.
A specialized criminal defense lawyer knows how to handle your specific case.
He or she can provide you with a detailed analysis of your case, and he or she can help you avoid common mistakes.
5. Hiring an attorney with the wrong experience
You should avoid hiring an attorney who has the wrong experience.
An attorney with the wrong experience may not know what to do.
For example, a lawyer with no experience in a specific type of case may give you bad advice.
Talking to the Police Without a Lawyer Present
I’m going to give you a simple piece of advice: Don’t talk to the police without a lawyer present.
There is no reason why you should talk to the police. There is no reason why you should give up any rights or protections guaranteed by the Constitution.
I have had a number of clients who have gotten in trouble for something and were interrogated by the police. The most common mistake these people make is to talk to the police.
Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t talk to the police:
- They are going to use anything you say against you.
- You lose your right to remain silent.
- They are going to lie to you.
- You lose your right to a fair trial.
- You lose your right to have a lawyer present.
- Your rights are protected under Miranda v. Arizona.
If you have been charged with a crime, you need to consult with a good lawyer. The best thing you can do is to call a reputable law firm that has experience with the types of cases you have been charged with. They will know what to do, and they will know how to protect you from a false conviction.
Making a Public Statement Without Legal Advice
I’m sure you’ve heard of the term “public relations.” It’s a common concept that most people understand intuitively. However, public relations is actually a very broad and complex practice.
One of the most important aspects of public relations is making a public statement. Public statements are a form of communication between you and the public.
A public statement can include:
- Making a statement to law enforcement
- Making a statement to the media
- Making a statement to the community
A public statement is just as important as a formal complaint. However, it should not be confused with a formal complaint. While both are forms of communication with the same goal, a formal complaint is submitted to the court system, whereas a public statement is made directly to the public.
Public statements are usually made when you are facing criminal charges.
Frequently Asked Questions California Criminal Defense Law
Q: Why should people report crimes?
A: If you know of someone who is committing a crime, you should tell the police about it. Otherwise, you are allowing criminals to go unpunished. The police don’t want to waste their time on cases where the victim is uncooperative.
Q: Are there any other things people should watch out for when reporting crimes?
A: Don’t use an alias and don’t lie to the police. If the police want to question you, they are going to follow through with it no matter what you say.
Top Myths About California Criminal Defense Law
- There is no standard penalty for a misdemeanor offense.
- I can take a class in order to be more prepared for a criminal trial.
- I can talk to my client while the prosecutor presents his evidence.
Conclusion
California criminal defense law is very complex, and the penalties can be severe. It’s important to know your rights when facing these charges, and what mistakes to avoid. When facing criminal charges, you have a right to remain silent. the Constitution states that you have a right not to incriminate yourself. If you choose to speak to the police, you have the right to have a lawyer present.
