Felony Attorney: 5 Errors That Can Land you In Prison

If you're on the market for a felony attorney, you're likely under great duress and unsure of what will happen next. Facing criminal charges is highly stressful, which is why many defendants make easily avoidable mistakes that can greatly hurt their cases. As soon as the police confront you, it's time to get down to business, treat the situation with grave seriousness, and use some common sense. Here are five blunders that can get you sent to prison or deplete your finances.

1. Distrust Counsel
Attorneys have a tarnished reputation in society, and while there is always the minority of sub par professionals in any field, the felony lawyer you choose ultimately deserves your trust. If you've done your research carefully, interviewed several potential attorneys, and based your decision on a variety of important standards including confidence in their ability, there is no reason not to let them do their job. Many defendants, whether out of stress or fear, start researching the law on their own and make suggestions to their legal counsel about filing motions or how to plea. While your attorney should always listen and obey the preferences and desires of their client, allow them to present you with the best possible options available.

2. Gossip
Once you've been charged with a crime, it's time to keep your mouth shut regarding all details. Tell your story to your felony lawyer, and become mute around all other parties unless your attorney is present. This includes family and friends, but most importantly applies to any cellmates. Close relations can be called as witnesses, and what you've said about the incident can be misconstrued or recalled incorrectly, which can be a great detriment to your case. Prisoners will turn on you to save their own hides and receive plea-bargaining perks.

3. Speak with Police
Eventually, you felony lawyer may advise you to give a statement to the police, but until that happens, you'll once again exercise your right to remain silent. They may try to coerce you out of some answers. While you should cooperate when necessary, anything pertaining to the charges should be answered like a broken record, "Not without my attorney present."

4. Insist on a Trial
There's a saying in prison that everyone is innocent. Regardless of how watertight you feel your defense or alibi is if a crime has been committed the truth will likely come out. During negotiations, the State can come down hard on some defendants, and lowering the charge may be refused. This doesn't mean; however, that the judge won't make any adjustments to the sentencing. It is important to be realistic about plea offers, and compare them with the ramifications of losing a trial.

5. Fritter Away Money
You spent how much on your attorney? In the legal world, you don't always get what you pay for. Prices can be quite arbitrary in some cases, especially if you don't shop around and compare. When shopping for legal counsel, take the lowest quote and the highest you receive, and if you pay somewhere in the middle you can still find a quality attorney.