Whether you are a prior criminal, currently facing criminal charges, or have a criminal 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, but 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 share this information with your friends, coworkers, and loved ones.
Important criminal defense tips
one. If you are stopped and an officer suspects that you have been drinking, you have the right to refuse a field sobriety test. But there is a serious catch. Note that this also means that the police will arrest you on the spot and 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 he has a driver’s license, he automatically consents to the BAC test at any time.
two. If the police show up at your home or office requesting to search the premises, you have the right to refuse. If they have a search warrant, you do not have this right and you must fully cooperate with them. If they don’t have a search warrant, close the door and contact a criminal defense attorney right away.
3. If you do confront the police, always be courteous and cooperative. Having an attitude, being disrespectful, and refusing to cooperate will only get you into more trouble. If you want to have the best possible experience with the police, whether or not you get arrested, be sure to be courteous, speak well, and cooperate. They have all the power right now, and you have to remember that you have no control over the situation, so it’s best to give in and relinquish 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 crime and commit another crime, you will face additional legal sentences and penalties in addition to the one you are currently serving. Many people don’t know how serious a crime it is to violate probation or parole, especially by committing another crime. You can certainly expect to be sentenced to jail time.
5. A minor is a person over the age of 10 and under the age of 18. However, minors may be charged as adults in certain cases. This usually happens if the crime is very serious or if the minor is about to turn 18. Being tried as an adult means that a minor faces adult penalties.
6. If you are a prior offender and it has been many years since your last offense, you may qualify to have your criminal record sealed from public access. This means employers, banks, landlords, and the general public cannot seek a particular criminal charge or arrest. You should have a criminal defense attorney help you apply for records sealing, as the process is very complex and demanding.
7. To get a complete copy of your criminal record, you must compile all records in all counties and states where they exist. This is because local, state, and federal registries are all different. You will need to contact the clerk’s office or local authorities to get the records you need. You can also have your criminal defense attorney help you with this.
8. Never give up your right to an attorney. Also, he never tries to represent himself in court. If he wishes to avoid the maximum penalties for his criminal charges, he must have an experienced attorney working on his defense. They are the only ones who have the knowledge and resources to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms.
9. You have to be very careful about what you post on your social media accounts. You should understand that your social media activity can be used against you in a court of law, including traffic court, divorce court, and other civil courts. Government and law enforcement 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. Also, educating yourself on certain details of the law can help you understand your rights and obligations as a US citizen. If you ever have questions about the law, contact a trusted criminal defense attorney for professional advice and answers.