Avoid These Costly Mistakes If You Are Fighting A Drug Case
If you are facing drug charges in Kentucky, it is crucial that you ensure you hire a skilled criminal defense attorney who can help you protect your rights and fight your charges. It is not advisable that you try fighting drug charges without the help of an attorney. Failing to hire an attorney is one of the biggest mistakes you can make if you are fighting a drug case. When looking for an attorney to hire, make sure you look for one with experience defending individuals facing drug charges. Criminal laws vary greatly, and, as such, an attorney with experience defending individuals facing drug charges will be familiar with the laws that apply to your case.
Below are other mistakes you need to avoid making if you are facing drug charges in Kentucky.
Speaking to Law Enforcement Officers Without Legal Counsel
Another big mistake you can make if you are facing drug charges is speaking to the police without your attorney present. You should not assume that by talking to the police, you can convince them you are innocent. Sometimes, police officers misinterpret statements from defendants. Other times, the police question a suspect with their minds already made up against the suspect. If the police begin questioning you in the absence of your attorney, exercise your right to remain silent so you can avoid self-incriminating yourself and wait for your attorney to arrive.
Making Unnecessary Admissions
As mentioned, it is best you exercise your right to remain silent when the police start questioning you in the absence of your attorney. However, because of pressure or emotions, it is not uncommon for suspects to choose to talk to the police in the absence of legal counsel. If for whatever reason, you find it a must to speak to the police without your attorney present, you should avoid making unnecessary admissions. If you make an admission, you might affect your case in several ways. For instance, if you make an admission, you might limit your attorney’s options for defending you. If, for example, you admit that the drugs found on you belong to you, in a situation where they belong to someone else, your attorney cannot argue that the drugs are someone else’s.
Completely Refusing to Plea Bargain
Depending on the facts surrounding your drug case, your attorney might advise you to accept a plea bargain. It is crucial that you avoid completely refusing a plea bargain without thoroughly considering your attorney’s advice. If an experienced defense attorney tells you to accept a plea bargain, they know that it is your best option. A skilled attorney will not advise you to accept a plea bargain if they know you won’t benefit.
Accepting a Plea Bargain Without Talking to Your Attorney
You should not accept a plea bargain without consulting your attorney. Sometimes, prosecutors negotiate plea bargains even when a drug case is strong enough that it would be better to proceed to trial. Talking to your attorney before accepting a plea bargain can ensure you don’t make the wrong decision.
Contact a London Drug Crime Attorney
If you are facing drug charges in Kentucky, contact a London drug crime attorney at Cessna & George Law Firm today to discuss your case.
Resource:
law.cornell.edu/wex/self-incrimination