The 10 biggest mistakes most people make after being arrested

(1) Not taking the matter seriously.

Any criminal charge can result in a record of conviction that could follow you for the rest of your life, if you are convicted.

(2) Failing to hire an attorney now and, if possible, a Law Firm with a Specialty in Criminal defense.

The law is complex and you need competent representation. You must raise the right defenses at the right time or you will lose them. Facts will disappear, memories fade and witnesses vanish. A winnable case can quickly become a loser. What should you do? You need legal advice and fast. You want an attorney who knows how to handle your case.In any criminal case, you should be represented by a competent defense lawyer. You must find and retain a lawyer or risk the consequences of representing yourself. By hiring an attorney immediately following your arrest, you won't miss any deadlines. 

(3)Hiring an attorney based on the amount of the Attorney's fee alone.
The amount a lawyer charges in fees, for most of us, is always a consideration. However, anyone who knows will tell you that it could be the single biggest mistake to hire a lawyer based on the fee alone. You want to search for the best lawyer or law firm available and then consider the financial cost.

What kind of lawyer do you want to protect and defend you? Our advice is simple: get the best you can find. Top lawyers can charge top fees.If money is an issue then our advice is still simple: get the best lawyer or law firm you an afford. Our firm offers a free initial case interview. Take the time to review your particular situation with us and discuss your payment options. Then you decide.

The State and Government prosecutors have almost unlimited resources when it comes to prosecuting your case against you.. You need to hire an attorney or law firm and pay a fee which compensates for the time and effort put into your case to counter the prosecution. Attorneys must earn enough in the time they spend on your case. . If you go too low, that attorney may not be able to put in the time or resources necessary to protect you.
Look for a lawyer or law firm worth spending dollars with , not the lowball" bargain".

(4) Failing to consider the impact of arrest or criminal conviction on special concerns in your life.
You certainly have personal interests individually important to you. All too often these concerns are overlooked when evauating the seriousness of facing a criminal charge. This is a mistake. Examples include: (1)impact on future educational and employment opportunities. (2)impact on current employment or professional licensing. (3)Immigration consequences (4)Family (5)child custody/visitation (6)Pilots-licensing (7)community embarrassment and criminal record

(5) Failing to examine and question the Evidence.
Why would anyone plead guilty to a crime without looking at the evidence upon which the case stands? A Criminal prosecution should not result in your conviction without sufficient evidence, unless you unwittingly plead guilty. What evidence do they need to convict? What evidence do they have? Is the evidence legally admissable against you? Can you be convicted on "Hearsay"? If the evidence or statements made against you are unreliable or involve mistakes can they be challenged successfully? One mistake can be crucial in your defense.

(6) Assuming the Case Can't be Won.
Assuming that the case can't be won is the number one biggest mistake that you can make in facing a Criminal arrest and charge.
It may be that your case may be so difficult or problematic that you may choose against a Jury Trial, but this decision should never be made in the blind. You would be amazed at the potential array of defenses available and the results that were initially unforeseeable, which ended without a conviction.
Additionally, even in the most difficult of cases it is always wise to explore the possibility of reducing the level of the crime charged and/or reducing the punishment.
(7) Failing to find out if the law was violated by police and investigators in making the arrest and gathering and reporting the evidence.
Without an experienced lawyer how will you find out if the rules were not followed? The "evidence" can be attacked when it is discovered that the rules were not followed properly. California has legal rules which require how evidence is gathered and what evidence is necessary to justify an arrest or prosecution. One mistake can be crucial in your defense.
"Mistakes" mean unreliability of the evidence. The law details how scientific tests are to be administered and how the devices are to be maintained, repaired and calibrated. Expert review of these tests are relatively inexpensive given the seriousness of the consequences.Why would anyone plead guilty to this crime without looking at the evidence upon which the case stands? Find a lawyer that has experience in successfully challenging these test results. no matter how high, and find out if you may avoid a conviction.

(8) Fail to appear in Court.
The Court will issue a bench warrant for your arrest and revoke any bond. The next time you are stopped for a traffic infraction, you will be spending some time in jail and posting a bond for your future appearances.

(9) Talking to anyone but an attorney about your case.
Anything you say to others can be used against you. When you discuss your arrest with friends or family, you risk turning them into involuntary witnesses against you. It is in your best interest to remember the details of your arrest. It will help you in your defense.

(10) Think that talking to numerous attorneys will help you handle it on your own.
If at all possible you need to have an attorney go to Court with you. Who that lawyer is, and the experience and qualifications of your lawyer is your choice. Make your best choice and give yourself the best protection you can.

What are your choices?
Most everyone knows that it is always unwise to face a Criminal charge without the help of the best lawyer you can find. You know that a criminal charge is serious to you. Can you afford to take chances with your life, your employment, or your future?