Being accused of a crime can be an incredibly scary experience. Whether you are guilty or innocent, it’s crucial that you follow the right steps to ensure the best possible outcome.
Unfortunately, it’s not easy to know where to begin. You may let your emotions take over – something which won’t help the overall situation.
Not sure where to get started? Below we are going to discuss five steps that you should follow if you find yourself accused of a crime.
Hire a reputable and experienced lawyer.
The first thing you need to do after being accused of a crime is to hire an experienced and reputable criminal lawyer. An attorney will be able to guide you through the legal process and notify you of your rights.
Of course, make sure that you research and find a professional you can communicate with comfortably. If you’re located near Edmonton, the team at Pringle Law is a great place to begin.
Gather evidence and information.
After hiring your attorney, you want to start gathering any essential information and evidence that is related to your case. This can include things such as:
- Witness statements.
- Medical records.
- Police reports.
- Documents on your whereabouts.
Again, your lawyer can help you with this if you’re not sure where to begin. After seeing what evidence you have obtained they will develop strategies to identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Don’t talk about your case.
As soon as you are accused of a crime, you should avoid speaking to anyone about the allegations. Remember, anything you say can be used against you (even if you don’t think the information is important).
In fact, you should also avoid using social media. Things such as posts, comments, and photos are often used in trials.
Attend your court hearings.
Dealing with criminal charges can be time-consuming, but it’s vital that you don’t miss any of your court dates. Failing to appear can result in huge fees and additional legal trouble.
By attending, you show that you take your case seriously. Cooperate, be on time, and dress for the occasion. All of these little things can make a very big difference.
Seek emotional support.
As you may already be aware, the entire legal process can be emotionally overwhelming (not to mention stressful). While you shouldn’t talk about your case, it is a good idea to reach out to others for emotional support.
Having someone like a counsellor, therapist, or trusted friend/family member nearby will help you stay strong. In some cases, it will be months or years until you get results. You’ll need to be patient and find productive ways to pass the time.
Final Words
While being accused of a crime can be one of the most daunting situations you can face, there are ways to make the process easier for yourself. By following the steps above and listening to the advice from your lawyer you can work your way towards achieving the best possible outcome.
