I. What to Do If You’re Charged with a Crime in California
Being charged with a crime in California can be an overwhelming experience. You may be unsure of your rights, what to expect, or how to defend yourself. This month, we have provided you with some great advice on what to do if you or a loved one is charged with a crime in California.
II. We recommend that you…
Understand your rights – The first thing you should do is understand your rights as a defendant in California. Some of these rights include the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to a speedy trial.
Hire an attorney – If you can afford it, you should hire an attorney to represent you right away. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you, protect your rights, and build a strong defense.
Cooperate with the police – You should cooperate with the police, but you should not say anything that could incriminate you. Remember to remain silent and hire an attorney as soon as possible so they can communicate with police if necessary.
Gather evidence – If you have any evidence that could help your case, you should gather it as soon as possible. Depending on your case, this could include witness statements, photographs, or other documents. Consult with your attorney to see what evidence, if any, you’ll need to gather.
Prepare for trial – If your case goes to trial, you should prepare for trial with the help of your attorney. This could include hiring expert witnesses and reviewing the evidence.
III. Additional Tips:
Don’t panic – It’s important to stay calm and collected. Once you’ve hired an experienced criminal defense attorney, you will be in good hands.
Be respectful to the police and the court – Even if you don’t agree with the charges against you, it’s important to be respectful to the police and the court. Being confrontational or contentious will not help your case, in fact it may make things worse, so always be respectful.
Stay positive – It’s important to stay positive throughout this process. With the help from your criminal defense attorney, you can fight the charges against you and get the best possible outcome for your case.
IV. We Can Help
It’s important to remember that every case is different as is every potential outcome. As such, it’s always in your best interest to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney if you or a loved one is facing a criminal charge. The Law Offices of Mark A. Gallagher has over 20 years experience handling criminal cases successfully. Contact us today to see how we can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
