Criminal Case – Dos And Donts

Published on: 19 March 2021 Last Updated on: 27 December 2024

Usually, people find themselves in a labyrinth when faced with criminal charges. One reason for that is the poor legal knowledge amongst the public. Most of the time, it is not what one must do but what one must not do that gets them in trouble during prosecution. In such situations, hiring an attorney is the best you can do to avoid your case’s further aggravation.

There are some guidelines that you, as a defendant, must be mindful of in legislatures. A majority of civil and criminal cases are not complicated as litigants present them to be. It usually occurs when either party is unaware of the legal procedures and tries to find a way out in vexation. Let us discuss some dos and don’ts that will help you in your criminal cases.

1. Keep It Candid with Your Lawyer:

Out of the fear of facing prosecution at their lawyer’s hands, people will leave out details while communicating with their attorney. However, this is where the defendant is wrong. The defendant can only see his case from the perspective of a layman with no legal knowledge. There are many intricacies and loopholes in any criminal case when examined by the criminal codes. Thus, transparency is the key because the more details you leave out, the more complex the case gets. Take your lawyer’s word when he/she swears to keep the conversation strictly confidential unless there is a third-party involved. Lawyers have to abide by the law to ensure that their client gets satisfying outcomes. Therefore, they will go to any length to represent your case before the judge.

Moreover, you can also avail of an online pre law degree to understand the legal matters and ensure that you receive your statutory rights. Also, it will enable you to determine the details of your case more adequately and help your attorney more efficiently.

2. Avoid Interaction with Law Enforcement Until You Get a Lawyer:

Most of the time, when the charge is severe, the law enforcement agencies step in before the defendant can get a chance to hire a representative. There is nothing wrong or illicit about it. You are not being persecuted at the hands of law; law enforcement is just doing its job. In every country, the citizens have the statutory right to remain silent if they do not have an attorney to represent them before the law. Most people would try to deal with the law enforcers on their own, unknowingly making things worse for them. It does not matter what you say; the law cannot talk your way out of their office until someone brings insufficient proof and arguments to back your innocence. The wise thing to do in such situations is to ask them for a representative. Engagement with law enforcers does not only mean interaction with the officials after an arrest. If a police officer comes knocking at your door to search the place, you have a right to say no, and that is what you must do.

3. Respect the Courts:

Throughout the world, the jury and judges have enormous power. Disrespecting the judiciary often leads to grave consequences and might add more to your pre-existing legal troubles. Thus, it’s in your best interest to show respect to the courts. Respecting the judiciary during your trial is not only limited to addressing the judge or the jury with care. It extends to how you dress and present yourself before the court. Your presentation plays a big part in how the prosecutor, the judge, and the jury perceives you. If you do not have something appropriate to wear, ask your lawyer to arrange an outfit. Another way to show your respect towards the court is to always appear on time. Maintain your composure and stand tall while addressing the judge. Faltering in speech or speaking with slumped shoulders and grouched demeanor will give the judge a hard time taking your point of view seriously.

4. Do Not Discuss Your Case Even With Your Family without Asking Your Attorney:

It is understandable if you want to share the burden with your loved ones. However, you never know how far the news will travel on the grapevine, and you might end up with a lot more complications. Thus, remain silent until your attorney has your case sorted out. It is the best way to keep the situation under control. Stay discreet about your case except with your lawyer. Also, avoid telling the world about wrongful handling through social media or chatting platforms. You do not know your case’s graveness and how strict the law enforcement might be about the charges against you. When you give off details about your case to the general public, it only gives the law enforcers more chance to compare the evidence with your statements and find a fault. Staying off social media and avoiding discussions in your household and social circles would be best in your interest.

Navigating Plea Bargains: What You Should Know

No matter how great a case is or how good a lawyer is, sometimes the evidence could be too incriminating!

Hence, a plea bargain comes into place!

Before we continue, we would like to emphasize that this is a final resort and not the first thing that an attorney will advise.

Unless your case is that severe!

Nevertheless, plea bargaining can be a pivotal part of any criminal case.

What is a Plea Bargain?

A plea bargain is a deal by the prosecutor in which a defendant agrees to plead guilty. This is either to a lesser charge or to accept a lighter sentence in exchange for avoiding a full trial.

A plea bargain only comes after the judge has given a judgment, and the criminal attorney will draft a plea bargain.

This can be beneficial, especially in cases where evidence may not favor the defendant. However, plea bargains come with significant consequences, as pleading guilty will still result in a conviction.

When to Consider a Plea Bargain

If your attorney advises you that the evidence is overwhelming, accepting a plea deal may reduce your sentence or lessen the severity of the charges.

However, it’s crucial to fully understand the terms of the bargain and ensure it aligns with your long-term interests.

The Role of Your Attorney

Always discuss plea bargains with your lawyer before accepting any deals.

Your attorney will evaluate the offer, assess whether it’s in your best interest, and potentially negotiate better terms. Do not rush into a plea deal without fully understanding the legal and personal consequences.

Yes, navigating criminal charges can be overwhelming, but plea bargaining is an option that may provide a way to deal with the outcome.

You have to trust your lawyer’s judgment, weigh the pros and cons, and ensure you understand the full impact of accepting a plea before moving forward.

This is why picking the right lawyer is so very important!

Try to Stay Calm!

People who are faced with criminal charges for the first time have it worse. They do not know who to approach and what to avoid keeping the situation under control.

Therefore, bear in mind that sorting your case by yourself can lead to grave and irreversible consequences.

Thus, the best way to ensure that you get your deserving rights is to hire an attorney skilled in representing criminal cases. An experienced lawyer will guide you through the process to get the outcomes that you deserve.

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Understanding The Role Of Family Mediation In Legal Conflict Resolution

As much as we enjoy close and loving family relationships, sometimes, disputes find their way without warning. These disputes may include divorce and separation, succession issues, child maintenance, and custody. Handling these disputes is challenging and may need immediate action to resolve them. While some family disputes, especially those involving violence, may be resolved by court, some can be resolved by family mediation. Family mediation works on both parties’ interests and aims to restore a positive future relationship between the disputants. It is also a cheaper way of resolving family disputes and takes relatively less time. But what role does family mediation play in legal conflict resolution? Read through to understand all aspects of family mediation, including its process and benefits, as a peaceful way to solve family disputes. Understanding Mediation Role In Family Law Mediation is a dispute resolution process where the disputants cooperate with an independent third party to resolve their disputes outside court. Mediation is both a cheaper and faster way of resolving disputes among family members. Family mediation can help solve several issues. It can help resolve parenting disagreements, property settlements among divorcing couples, and succession disputes among kin. Note that mediation can occur with both parties sitting together or separately on different occasions. On disputes of significant magnitude, you can involve family lawyers to help guide the mediation process. If you don't resolve the dispute through family mediation, you may move to court. However, you must present a certificate to prove you engaged in family dispute resolution through mediation. The Purpose Of Family Mediation The purpose of family mediation is to help disputing parties reach a long-lasting agreement. The decision they arrive at should be of their liking and should be satisfactory to each party. Unlike other disputes, family disputes have a relationship and emotional attachments, though some have financial and legal implications. Resolving these disputes in court may address the financial and legal aspects alone and fail to address the emotional and relationship aspects. However, through mediation, the disputing family members can resolve all aspects of their disputes and arrive at a more desirable agreement. Family Mediation Process The family mediation process involves the following steps. 1. Initial consultation/pre-mediation: The mediator seeks more information concerning the dispute. They should also gather personal concerns, perspectives, and projected outcomes of both parties. Note that at this stage, the mediator meets the disputants separately. 2. Joint sessions: After individual parties agree to proceed with mediation, the mediator organizes a joint session. At this stage, the mediator sits together with the disputing parties in one room. 3. Issues identification: Since the mediator has background information about the dispute at hand, they, at this stage, identify critical issues of the dispute. The mediator should guide both parties in talking about their priorities, concerns, and desires. 4. Establishing options: Now that the underlying issue is well-spelled out, the mediator should guide disputants in coming up with possible solutions. The mediator should suggest expansive possibilities after brainstorming suggested solutions. 5. Final agreement: At this stage, the mediator should assist the disputants in structuring a mutual agreement. The mediator should ensure that the final agreement is fair and in line with the state´s laws. Family Mediation Benefits Family mediation has several benefits, as listed below: It Generates Mutual Agreement Through family mediation, disputants can arrive at a mutual agreement satisfactory to each party. The parties have the right and power to explore all possibilities and arrive at a more desirable decision. Family Mediation Resolves Disputes Faster Unlike court disputes, which take years to resolve issues, family mediation takes a short period. On average, the family mediation process takes between three and six months to resolve a dispute. It Preserves Relationships Since family mediation addresses the emotional and relationship aspects of a dispute, the disputants should be able to maintain their long-term relationship post-dispute. Confidentiality And Privacy Court cases are in the public domain and may expose sensitive and private aspects to the general public. However, family mediation creates a more secure and private environment where disputes are resolved without involving the general public. Cost-Effective Mediation saves a lot of money, which would otherwise be spent on court charges and other legal fees. Family Disputes Ideal For Mediation The family disputes that should be resolved through mediation are as follows: · Succession disputes · Matrimonial property issues · Children maintenance disputes · Children custody · Shareholder disputes in the family business · Civil and other inter-personal disputes Should I Involve Family Lawyers In Family Mediation? It is good to involve your family lawyer in family mediation. The lawyer will provide you with legal advice concerning the legal and financial implications of your family dispute. Besides, they should be able to guide you through the mediation process since it can be overwhelming. In addition, they can help add the final touches to the final agreement you arrive at. Unfortunately, not all family mediation processes have the desired outcome. Sometimes, parties may disagree, bringing the need for court proceedings. In this case, the court will demand a certificate showing you participated in family mediation. Your lawyer will be much more resourceful here. Conclusion Family mediation aims to bring disputed family members to an agreement. Besides settling their disputes, it also helps mend their broken relationships and heal their emotions. In doing so, it protects the interests and values of both parties, promoting family cohesion. What's more, family meditation addresses the issues of parties involved in the mediation session and those indirectly involved in the dispute. The process will ensure the interest of such parties, including children´s future well-being, is well addressed. However, when your dispute involves violence or threat of life, don´t hesitate - file a court case immediately. Read Also: 30+ Fathers Day Gift Ideas: It’s More Than Gifts 8 Things Every Parent Should Do To Keep Kids Safe Online Top 10 Cybersecurity Features That Are A Must-Have In An Ecommerce Store

How Safe are Pedestrians in Georgia?

Georgia is a great place for people who like to walk. Many cities and neighborhoods dedicate their roads to walking communities. Downtown Atlanta has walking paths for residents, employees, visitors, and customers. The Metro Atlanta area is also full of pedestrian-friendly parks. And let’s not forget that the rural parts of the Metro area have abundant hiking trails. All this makes Georgia seem very pedestrian-friendly. Not necessarily. While Georgia may encourage walking, pedestrians are only sometimes safe. How Safe are Pedestrians in Georgia? In 2019, Smart Growth America conducted an urban planning and development study. Atlanta was included in their research, including a portion dedicated to how pedestrian-friendly certain states are. How did Georgia rank? Put together by The Embry Law Firm, let’s look at some statistics: Overall, the state ranked as the 6th most dangerous state for pedestrians. The Metro Atlanta area ranked as the 25th most deadly region for pedestrians. From 2008 to 2017, 1,782 pedestrians were victims of hit and run by cars across the state. That accounts for 1.76 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people (about the seating capacity of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum). The annual average number of pedestrian deaths in Georgia is 184. The national average is 1.55. From 2011 to 2015, pedestrian deaths increased by 58%. 78% of pedestrian injuries and fatalities occurred at “non-intersection” locations. 52% of pedestrian injuries and deaths occurred while the individual was waiting to cross a road. This data means that Georgia—and especially Metro Atlanta—may be friendly to pedestrians, but our state’s drivers are not. Is the State Trying to Protect Pedestrians? Knowing what we do about pedestrian accidents, injuries, and deaths across the state, we must consider whether our state leaders are taking action to reduce those numbers and save lives. The answer is that, yes, state leaders are working on initiatives that could reduce the number of pedestrian accidents and deaths. Georgia has adopted one major initiative called “Vision Zero.” This initiative comes from the idea that traffic fatalities can be reduced to zero through engineering, education, and enforcement (the 3 E’s). Vision Zero holds to the notion that humans make mistakes. Therefore, a road system is required to ensure these mistakes do not lead to severe injuries or death. Numerous countries and cities across the United States have adopted Vision Zero. Many have seen a dramatic improvement in their traffic fatality rates, including pedestrian deaths. One of Vision Zero's goals is to enhance road safety for everyone—drivers, bicyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and public transit users. What Can Pedestrians Do to Stay Safe? Pedestrians can do their part in the fight to reduce the number of pedestrian accidents and fatalities each year. The Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety recommends the following: Always walk on the sidewalk if possible. If there is no sidewalk, walk close to the left side of the street. When walking on the street, facing traffic. Always cross the road at a crosswalk if one is available. Stay in the street and attempt to dash in between traffic. Pedestrians are required to obey traffic signals. Look for signals that say “walk” or “don’t walk.” When walking near the street, wear bright clothing or use reflective gear. Encourage your children not to play in the street, even in quiet neighborhoods. You can’t control the actions of others, but as a pedestrian, you can take measures to keep yourself safe and out of harm’s way. Whether you are commuting to work in Atlantic Station or walking a trail along the Chattahoochee River, walking is a favorite pastime for Georgians. It is important, however, that all of us do our part—whether walking or driving—to protect ourselves and others around us. This is the best way to improve safety for all of Georgia. Just Moving to Georgia (Road Safety Guide) Georgia has reliable hours and an easy position. Therefore, you might end up here for your work purposes. However, when it comes to road safety, you need to be a little more careful with your approach. To begin with, you will have to be wary of road safety measures and how to protect yourself against rash driving. Now, here's a thing that you want to remember, and that's—crossing streets; Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections; if none are available, keep well on the road to be seen. Stand clear of vehicles in case they roll backward. Be Seen: Wear bright or reflective clothing if you are walking or biking in low lighting conditions, especially at night. Make eye contact with drivers in the vehicle waiting for you to cross in front of them. Avoid Distractions: Don’t use your phone or listen to music at a high volume while walking. Be aware of everything and everyone around you. Educate Children: It is not just about your safety, especially if you are relocating your family alongside the job. Teach children to follow road safety precautions while crossing the roads. Plan Safe Routes: Choose well-lit and less busy routes for walking. Know the normal traffic patterns around where you live. Final Note Whether you’re new to Georgia or you’ve lived here for some time, remember that safe walking can sometimes be your responsibility. We have a combination of urban and rural settings in which to enjoy walking, but because of that fact, we must be aware of some simple tips to keep ourselves safe. Yes, appreciate other drivers, but when in doubt, always come back to his rulebook! Read Also: 7 Ways Truck Accidents Differ from the Regular Car Crashes Denise Hamet Discusses Trends in Creative Transportation Strategies

How Fatigued Driver Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You

Accidents involving fatigued drivers can be particularly distressing and complicated. If you find yourself in such a situation, seeking the help of a car accident lawyer is crucial. With their extensive knowledge and expertise, these legal professionals play multiple roles in helping you deal with the aftermath. Fatigued driver, car accident lawyers, gather and preserve evidence, simplify complex legal processes, negotiate with insurance companies, accurately calculate your damages, and advocate on your behalf. This article provides an in-depth look at how car accident lawyers can guide and support you through this challenging time, ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. Gathering Evidence and Investigating The first step post-accident is to gather and preserve evidence demonstrating the other driver's fatigue and culpability. This process is often complex and requires significant expertise in obtaining crucial documents like police reports, witness statements, and medical records. Fatigued driver car accident lawyers are skilled in this area, with some even utilizing accident reconstruction experts to provide a detailed account of the incident. They ensure all relevant evidence is secured promptly, preventing any essential details from being lost or overlooked. Simplifying Legal Processes The period following a car accident often entails a multifaceted legal journey that can be daunting, particularly for those not well-versed in it. Completing the required documentation correctly, sticking to certain timeframes, and deciphering legal terminology are some of the numerous hurdles individuals might encounter. Navigating these intricacies can compound the strain of an already distressing scenario. In these instances, having an experienced car accident lawyer by your side can be immensely beneficial. They can guide you through this intricate legal maze, ensuring all essential documents are filed correctly and in a timely manner. If your case ends up in court, they will represent you, making sure your interests are safeguarded. With their guidance, the daunting legal process becomes more manageable, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Negotiation with Insurance Companies Insurance companies are popular for trying to pay out as little as possible on claims or even denying them altogether. Their teams of lawyers and adjusters work hard to save the company money. This can make it difficult for those in an accident to get the compensation they deserve. However, if you've been in a car accident involving a fatigued driver, a specialized lawyer can help level the playing field. These legal professionals negotiate directly with the insurance companies on your behalf. They aim to ensure that you receive fair and appropriate compensation for any injuries and losses you've suffered. By doing this, they take on the stress of dealing with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Related: Car Accident Liability Accurate Calculation of Damages After a car accident, figuring out the extent of your losses can be overwhelming. There are obvious damages, such as medical bills and property damage. However, the aftermath of an accident also involves less visible factors. These might include lost wages due to time off from work and more intangible aspects like experiencing pain and suffering. This is when the expertise of a car accident lawyer becomes crucial. They have the knowledge and experience to accurately assess all these damages. They consider every factor, even those you may not know, to ensure that you leave any important details. Their goal is to advocate for you, ensuring you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve for all the losses you've endured due to the accident. Advocating for Their Clients Perhaps the most critical role fatigued driver car accident lawyers play is that of an advocate. They stand up for your rights, represent your best interests, and tirelessly work to ensure you receive the justice you deserve. Car accident lawyers are your voice in situations where you may feel unheard or overwhelmed. They fight on your behalf, ensuring the at-fault party's fatigue and negligence do not go unpunished. Conclusion: Contact a Lawyer Immediately If You've Suffered an Accident Due to a Fatigued Driver A car accident can turn your life upside down, particularly when a fatigued driver causes it. In such situations, a car accident lawyer becomes your ally, navigating the legal maze, dealing with insurance companies, ensuring accurate damage calculations, and advocating for your rights. They stand beside you every step of the way, providing the expertise and support you need during a challenging time. Read Also: Why It’s So Important To Hire A Lawyer After A Fatal Car Accident Car Accidents From Hitting Florida’s Wildlife Car Accidents in California- What Does the Law Say?

Criminal Case – Dos And Donts

1. Keep It Candid with Your Lawyer:

2. Avoid Interaction with Law Enforcement Until You Get a Lawyer:

3. Respect the Courts:

4. Do Not Discuss Your Case Even With Your Family without Asking Your Attorney: