5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When You’ve Been Charged With a Crime

COSTLY MISTAKE #1: Talking with the police or someone else about the crime.
ADVICE:NEVER speak to the police or anyone else about the crime you’ve been charged with. Never means NEVER, and anyone means ANYONE except your attorney.

COSTLY MISTAKE #2: Assuming that you can represent yourself “pro se.” ADVICE:Would you attempt to perform heart surgery on yourself? Of course not. A man who acts as his own attorney has a fool for a client.

COSTLY MISTAKE #3: Trying to “save money” by relying on a public defender or a private attorney with limited experience.
ADVICE: Would you shop for a heart surgeon based on cost? Of course not. You should hire the best criminal defense attorney you can afford. If you have to borrow money or take out a loan, it’s worth it -- when the alternative is going to prison.

COSTLY MISTAKE #4: Missing any court date.
ADVICE: Failing to appear for a court date may result in the filing of a Bail Jumping charge. These charges are almost impossible to defend. Get to court -- and get there on time!

COSTLY MISTAKE #5: Violating your conditions of release.
ADVICE: If the Court releases you pending trial or if you post bond, you will be released with “conditions,” which may include no contact with the alleged victim, witnesses, or other restrictions. If you violate any of these conditions, you can be thrown right into the slammer. Do not violate Court Orders. Bad things will happen.