At the Griffin Law Office, APC, our San Diego criminal defense attorney knows one of the most significant and common mistakes most people make when facing criminal charges in California and nationwide is failing to hire an experienced attorney to navigate the legal system, build a strong defense strategy, and advocate for their rights effectively.
While this may seem self-serving, since ours is a criminal defense firm, it is true. Even if you do not choose our lead attorney and law firm founder, Patrick Griffin, to represent you, you must select a skilled attorney to stand in your corner so you understand your rights and the intricacies of the legal process.
That includes the right to remain silent and the right to legal representation. Exercising these rights immediately will help you avoid making statements to law enforcement without your attorney present and protect your case. Once you have a skilled criminal defense lawyer working on your case, there are additional legal mistakes you should also avoid. We discuss those here, highlighting the potentially severe consequences of each.
Top Mistakes to Avoid During Your California Criminal Case
By avoiding these common legal mistakes and working closely with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in San Diego, you can protect your rights and improve your chances of a successful defense.
The most common mistakes criminal defendants should avoid during their cases include, but are not limited to:
- Failing to Communicate with Your Attorney
Effective communication is crucial to the success of your case. You must provide your attorney with all the relevant case details, be honest, and promptly respond to their requests for information or documents.
- Discussing Your Case with Anyone Who Isn’t Your Attorney
Avoid discussing your case with anyone other than your attorney, especially on social media or public forums. Comments made publicly can be used against you in court and may harm your defense, as can those you share with cellmates or others who are incarcerated.
- Violating Bail Conditions
You must comply with all bail conditions if you’re released on bail. Violating bail conditions can result in your bail being revoked, leading to your arrest and additional charges.
- Ignoring or Missing Court Dates
Failing to appear for court dates or ignoring court orders can have serious consequences, including arrest warrants and additional charges. Always attend court as required and follow your attorney’s advice regarding court proceedings.
- Not Understanding the Consequences of a Conviction
As you take each step forward in the criminal justice process, you must understand the potential consequences of a conviction, including fines, imprisonment, probation, and a criminal record. Your attorney can help you understand these consequences and work to minimize them, but you must understand them and take them seriously so you can aid in your defense.
- Accepting Plea Deals Without Legal Advice
You should never speak to law enforcement without your attorney present. That includes anyone from the prosecutor’s office. If the prosecutor reaches you before you have counsel, do not entertain a plea deal without consulting an attorney first. Plea deals can have long-term consequences, so it’s essential to understand the terms and implications before agreeing to them.
Our San Diego criminal defense lawyer specializes in criminal law and legal procedures at the Griffin Law Office. We understand the complexities of the legal system and how each courtroom’s policies and procedures impact your criminal case. We can navigate it effectively on your behalf by challenging the prosecution’s evidence and arguments to seek the best possible outcome for you.
Have You Been Charged with a Crime in California? The Griffin Law Office Can Help
If you have been arrested for a crime in California, call 619-269-2131 to speak with our skilled San Diego County criminal defense attorney today. We can explain your legal rights and help you build a defense to pursue the best outcome for your case.