Whether you’re a former offender, currently facing criminal charges, or have a clean record, these criminal law tips are facts everyone should know. Having this knowledge can not only protect you and your loved ones in various situations, it can also help you navigate current and future legal issues that are in the works. Read on for 10 criminal law facts and tips, and be sure to pass this information on to your friends, co-workers, and loved ones.
Important criminal defense tips
1. If you are arrested and an officer suspects that you have been drinking, you have the right to decline a field sobriety test. But there is a serious problem. Note that this also means that the police will arrest you on the spot and that your driver’s license will be automatically suspended for 12 months. This is because most states, like Indiana, are “implied consent” states. This means that if you have a driver’s license, you automatically consent to the BAC test at any time.
2. If the police show up at your home or office requesting a search of the premises, you have the right to refuse. If they have a search warrant, you do not have this right and must cooperate with them fully. If they do not have a search warrant, close the door and contact a criminal defense attorney immediately.
3. When facing law enforcement, always be courteous and cooperative. Having an attitude, being disrespectful, and refusing to cooperate will only get you more trouble. If you want to have the best possible experience with the police, whether you are arrested or not, make sure you are polite, well spoken, and cooperative. They have all the power at this time, and you must remember that you have no control over the situation, so it is better to give in and give up all control. This will make your time with the police and jail (if it comes to that) much easier for you.
Four. If you are already on probation or parole for a prior offense and commit another offense, you will face additional legal sentences and penalties in addition to the one you are currently serving. Many people are unaware of the seriousness of an offense that is violating probation or probation, especially by committing another crime. You can surely expect to be sentenced to prison.
5. A minor is a person over 10 years old and under 18 years old. However, minors can be considered adults in certain cases. This usually happens if the crime is very serious or if the minor is about to turn 18 years old. Being tried as an adult means that a minor faces adult sanctions.
6. If you are a former offender and it has been many years since your last offense, you may be eligible to have your criminal record sealed so that it is not accessible to the public. This means that employers, banks, landlords, and the general public cannot seek a particular criminal charge or arrest. You should have a criminal defense attorney to help you request the sealing of records, as the process is very complex and demanding.
7. To get a complete copy of your criminal record, you need to collect all the records from all the counties and states in which they exist. This is because local, state, and federal records are all different. You will need to contact the clerk’s office or local authorities to get the records you need. You can also ask your criminal defense attorney to help you with this.
8. Never give up your right to an attorney. Also, never try to represent yourself in court. If you want to avoid the maximum penalties for your criminal charges, you need to have an experienced attorney working on your defense. They are the only ones who have the knowledge and resources to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms.
9. You must be very careful what you post on your social media accounts. You should understand that your social media activity may be used against you in a court of law, including traffic court, divorce court, and other civil courts. Law enforcement agencies and government organizations have technology that allows them to identify IP addresses, locations, coordinates, times, dates, and more. If you post from a coffee shop on the corner of 9th and Main, they can find out. Nothing is private on your social networks and all activity is permanently logged forever.
10. The best way to avoid getting in trouble with the law is to surround yourself with positive, healthy people and participate in healthy activities. Additionally, learning about certain details of the law can help you understand your rights and obligations as a U.S. citizen. If you ever have questions about the law, contact a trusted criminal defense attorney for professional advice and answers.
