Hello and welcome back to the blog here at Dan DuBois Law. Here on the blog, we like to distribute available information to the public to help educate the populace of WNY. Today, we wanted to take some time to talk about four unfortunately common mistakes people make in their cases. Making any of these four mistakes, and definitely combinations of them, can severely impact the outcome of your case or matter. 

Avoiding these mistakes is a simple thing you can do to help yourself in giving your case the best chance you can. So, without further delay, let's dive in. 

The Peril of Speaking Without a Defense Attorney on Your Side

Do not speak to the police without an attorney present on your side. They may seem like they're giving you space to explain yourself, but they are trying to gather evidence against you and/or trap you in statements. Remember, you won't talk your way out of an arrest, and you have the right against self-incrimination. 

Your right to remain silent is one of the best tools you have available to you in giving your case the best outcome. Exercise that right, and avoid speaking with police officers conducting an investigation against you when you don't have a lawyer present. Remember, anything you say to law enforcement can and will be used against you in court. 

Do NOT Post to Social Media About Your Case

Do not, under any circumstances, post about crimes you may or may not have committed or court cases you're involved in on the internet. This shouldn't be a startling revelation, but anything you post about your case can be used against you in court. Let's say, for example, you are accused of something that ultimately comes down to you say/they say, and you go on Twitter or something and admit that their interpretation of events is correct. That post will absolutely be used against you.

Also, you absolutely should NEVER record yourself doing something illegal. If you're involved in a case, it's best to not post about it at all. Even venting your frustrations, as that could be interpreted as a disdain for the legal process and bias a judge or jury against you.

The Cost of Not Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney

Another unfortunate mistake people make in these circumstances is failing to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. The legal system is complex and attempting to rely on your interpretation of it is a daunting endeavor. You may fail to get evidence that should be excluded to be excluded, you very likely won't know case law or how to interpret and cite legal theory. Having experienced, professional legal counsel on your side is the best way to navigate the system and give yourself the best outcome available. 

Having a public defender on your side is definitely better than going in on your own, there's no doubt about that, having an experienced New York legal team is even better than that. A team like DuBois Law can give your case the in-depth, individual attention you deserve. 

The Importance of Being Honest With Your Buffalo, NY Defense Lawyer

As with any relationship, honesty is the best policy when it comes to your relationship with your attorney. The attorney-client relationship is covered by privilege, and most anything you say to your attorney is protected information. Some things may be hard to admit to yourself, definitely someone else, but being dishonest is a recipe for harming your case.

Remember, due to the attorney-client privilege, what you tell your lawyer will stay between the two of you. Also, the more trustworthy you are with your attorney, the better they can navigate your case. Each fact presented can alter the eventual outcome, and withholding key information from the people assisting your case means they can't give you the best representation they can. 

Equally important is your attorney being honest with you, and the best way to ensure you're talking to trustworthy legal representation is to see testimonials, read case summaries, and talk to previous clients.

DISCLAIMER: PAST RESULTS DO NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE RESULTS, AND THE OUTCOME OF YOUR PARTICULAR CASE OR MATTER CANNOT BE PREDICTED USING A LAWYER'S OR LAW FIRM'S PAST RESULTS. EACH CASE IS UNIQUE AND SHOULD BE EVALUATED THROUGH A PHONE CALL OR MEETING WITH DANIEL DUBOIS, WITHOUT COMPARISON TO OTHER CASES WHICH MAY HAVE HAD DIFFERENT FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES

The Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in New York are Right Here! 

​​If you find yourself being charged, we understand it's stressful. Here at DuBois Law, we understand, we never judge. If you find yourself in legal hot water, the best course of action is to find assistance from a qualified and experienced defense attorney, avoid speaking with police without counsel present, not post about your case on social media (at the very least limit the content), and to be honest with your attorney.

Check out our FAQ page if you're unsure about needing a NY lawyer to represent you and defend your innocence. We think it's always worth it, and the first consultation is free. We believe everyone deserves the best representation available, which is why we have financing options available to you.

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See where Dan DuBois and DuBois Law specialize by checking out our practice area page. Click on one of the defense areas from the menu dropdown or one of the links from the list on that page to get a more detailed glimpse of our philosophy surrounding it. Remember, here at DuBois Law, we understand, we never judge. Give us a call today at (888)-NTGULTY [(888)-684-8589] or fill out our contact form to request a consultation.