5 Mistakes People Make When Charged with a Criminal Offense in Mansfield, Ohio

A criminal offense charge is serious and can result in jail time, fines, probation, or other penalties. If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Mansfield, Ohio, it is vital that they know their rights and plan their defense. Below are some mistakes people make when charged with a crime in Mansfield, Ohio:

1. Making Decisions Without Their Lawyer's Guidance
One of the biggest mistakes people make when facing criminal charges is not consulting with their lawyer. An attorney can help one navigate through the legal process and give them advice on how to proceed in court. A variety of factors must be considered before deciding whether to plead guilty, go to trial, or take another option that might better suit their case's circumstances. For example, an experienced defense attorney will know which evidence cannot be used against a defendant as well as what kind of plea deal, they should seek out based upon specific criteria such as prior offenses and more.

2. Destroying Evidence
Evidence is crucial during the entire criminal process. When evidence or material that can be used to one's advantage in court disappears, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to prove their innocence. Therefore, it is necessary to keep all evidence like texts, photographs, videos, and others. Before one does something that may cost them, they need to consult with their lawyer.

3. Talking to Police
If their lawyer is not present, accused individuals are encouraged to remain silent until their lawyer is with them. Police officers are trained in getting individuals to confess and implicate themselves. If one talks or even answers a few questions, it may be used against them later during court proceedings.

4. Asking Police for Advice
Individuals charged with a criminal offense should not ask police officers for advice on what to do, as they are trained in the art of interrogation. They may tell one that it is their job to protect them and help them get out of jail, but this isn't true at all. Police are the number one enemy of the accused, and one should never get into their trap. Therefore, if you are a suspect, you should avoid them and contact a criminal defense attorney instead.

5. Talking To Public About Charges Against Them
It would be very dangerous to speak on social media or even inform friends, family members, and others of what one is going through as this may not only cause them stress but also affect their reputation negatively in front of people they know personally. The best way for them to handle all of this is to remain silent and give their lawyer a chance to prove them innocent.

For those facing criminal charges in Ohio, Spaulding & Kitzler has attorneys with extensive experience in criminal defense. If one has been charged with a criminal offense, they should contact their lawyers immediately for help and guidance on how to proceed based upon the circumstances surrounding them.