Individuals charged with a crime may make mistakes that negatively impact the verdict. Learn how to avoid these mistakes.

Top Legal Mistakes People Make When Facing Criminal Charges

If the criminal justice system was perfect, there would exist no chance of you being convicted of a crime you did not commit. Unfortunately, in the current criminal justice system, it is possible for an innocent person to receive a poor defense and be convicted of a crime. In many such instances, mistakes made by the defendant play a role in their receiving an unjust conviction. The following are two mistakes you should avoid if you are charged with a crime.

Not Trusting Your Lawyers

One of the biggest mistakes defendants make is trying to play too active of a role in their own defense. Many people do this because they simply don’t trust their lawyer. As a layperson, no matter how much you read or how many crime shows you see on television, it is highly unlikely that you will have the same legal expertise your Las Vegas criminal defense attorney has. In addition to years of schooling, attorneys have the instinct and experience that allows them to successfully defend your case.

Hiring the Most Expensive or Least Expensive Lawyer

Hiring the cheapest lawyer out there is a grave mistake. It is unlikely that a criminal defense lawyer will be able to adequately defend your case for just a few hundred dollars. Conversely, hiring a lawyer for $100,000 to handle your burglary case is overkill, and while it is true that more expensive lawyers often have a better reputation, and their reputation may play a role in their ability to win your case, more than just reputation is necessary. Are they courteous? Do they respect you? Do they write well? They must have legal ability and trial skills, so instead of just choosing a lawyer based on how much they charge, it is better to sit down and meet with them to discern if they are the right choice for your situation.