If you’re facing criminal charges in Indiana, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed, confused, and scared. It’s a difficult time, and the decisions you make now can significantly impact the outcome of your case. The good news is that you don’t have to go through it alone. At the Marc Lopez Law Firm, we understand the complexities of the Indiana criminal justice system, and we’re here to provide you with the experienced guidance you need to protect your future. This blog will outline seven critical mistakes that people make when facing criminal charges and how a skilled criminal defense attorney can help you avoid these pitfalls.
Mistake #1: Picking Up New Charges While on Bond
One of the most common and damaging mistakes is getting arrested for a new offense while you’re out on bond or released on your own recognizance for a previous charge. When you are released, you make a deal with the judge promising not to pick up any new cases. If you do, you will likely be taken back into custody for the first offense, even if you’ve paid bond on the new charge. This puts you at a severe disadvantage because when you’re in jail, the prosecutors know you’re motivated to get out, and that makes negotiating a favorable outcome much more difficult. A great case can quickly become a not-so-great case when you are sitting in jail and under pressure.
Why This Happens:
- People don’t realize the serious consequences of a new arrest while on bond.
- Sometimes, people make a mistake and are not aware it may have consequences for their existing case.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help:
- A skilled criminal defense attorney will clearly explain the terms of your release.
- We will advocate for your release and help you navigate the terms of your release agreement, ensuring you understand what you can and cannot do.
- We’ll also ensure that all of the deadlines are met, and that you fully understand the consequences of picking up new charges.
- If you have picked up a new charge while on bond, we can work to minimize the consequences for your original case.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Your Attorney’s Advice
Once you hire a criminal defense attorney, like those at the Marc Lopez Law Firm, we’ll develop a strategic game plan to navigate your case. This plan will include actionable items you need to complete to strengthen your case. For example, if your charges involve substance abuse, we might recommend a substance abuse evaluation with an approved provider. Failing to follow your attorney’s advice can severely hurt your case. We don’t ask you to do things for fun; we do it to make the prosecutor more receptive to our arguments.
Why This Happens:
- Some people don’t understand why certain steps are necessary.
- Some people simply don’t want to do what is asked of them.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help:
- We clearly explain the rationale behind each recommendation and its impact on your case.
- We are here to make sure you understand all the steps you need to take to improve your situation.
Mistake #3: Talking About Your Case
Talking about your case to anyone other than your attorney is a huge mistake. There’s no confidentiality with friends, family, or even close acquaintances. Anything you say to them can be used against you, and they may not even have your best interests at heart. Even family members might report you to the prosecutor with information about your case. Sometimes people may act like they are your friend, but they may be using you to get information. Remember that anyone can call the prosecutor with information. Do not trust anyone with information about your case.
Why This Happens:
- People often feel the need to confide in those closest to them.
- Sometimes people want to defend themselves, so they discuss the case with those around them.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help:
- Your communications with your attorney are protected by attorney-client privilege.
- We will act as a filter to help you keep from making statements that may hurt you.
- We will advise you on the best way to discuss your case so it is not damaging to you.
Mistake #4: Alienating Your Witnesses
Witnesses can be a crucial part of your defense. However, it is incredibly common for clients to have a falling out with their witnesses before the case has been resolved. A good criminal defense attorney will check in with you about your witnesses to make sure you have not had a falling out. If you alienate your witnesses, they may not want to be involved in your case. Even if they are forced to appear via a subpoena, they may not be helpful or give testimony favorable to your case. This can have serious and unintended consequences.
Why This Happens:
- Relationships can change, sometimes dramatically.
- People sometimes do not fully appreciate the importance of maintaining good relationships with their witnesses.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help:
- We can advise you on how to maintain positive relationships with your witnesses.
- While we do have subpoena power, we recognize that forcing a witness to testify is not always beneficial.
- We will work with you to understand the most beneficial way to work with your witnesses.
Mistake #5: Driving Without a Valid License
If your driver’s license is suspended, don’t drive. This is especially true if your case involves intoxicated driving or specialized driving privileges. Judges see driving without a valid license as a direct challenge to their authority. Some judges will put you in jail for 30 days if they find out that you are driving after they have told you not to. Driving without a valid license significantly damages your negotiating power. A judge might also see this as evidence that you should not be granted bond or that your bond should be increased.
Why This Happens:
- It can be hard to get around in Indiana without a car.
- Some people don’t realize the seriousness of driving without a valid license.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help:
- We can help you get your driving privileges restored as quickly as possible.
- We will advise you on the best way to deal with any possible violations.
- We will work to ensure the judge does not see your driving as a challenge to their authority.
Mistake #6: Violating Pretrial Conditions
Pretrial conditions can include restrictions like not drinking, not using drugs, and following curfews. These conditions are set by the court as a condition of your release, and violating them can lead to serious consequences. A judge may see a violation of pretrial conditions as a challenge to their authority, and may put you in jail until your case is over. Even if the judge does not put you in jail, they may impose stricter conditions such as home detention or monitoring. Once you are under strict supervision, it weakens your bargaining position.
Why This Happens:
- Some people don’t realize the importance of complying with their release conditions.
- Sometimes the conditions imposed make it difficult for someone to live a normal life, which encourages them to violate the conditions.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help:
- We will ensure you are fully aware of all of your pretrial conditions.
- We will advise you on the potential consequences for violating them.
- We will advocate for the least restrictive pretrial conditions for you.
- We will work to mitigate the consequences of any pretrial violations.
Mistake #7: Violating No-Contact Orders
If the court has issued a no-contact order, you must not contact the people listed, directly or indirectly. This may be the alleged victim, a witness, or someone else related to the case. Even if someone contacts you first, you cannot respond without it leading to potential charges or jail time. Responding to a contact can result in new criminal charges and also cause you to be held in jail on your original case. This can also make it more difficult to negotiate a favorable plea agreement.
Why This Happens:
- People may feel compelled to defend themselves.
- Some may have the urge to maintain a relationship, even when told not to.
- Sometimes, people believe a no-contact order is not legitimate.
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help:
- We will clearly explain the details of your no-contact order and the consequences for violating it.
- We will advise you on the best course of action if someone contacts you who is subject to the order.
- We can file a motion to lift or modify the order when appropriate.
- We can help you make sure that you don’t inadvertently violate the terms of a no-contact order.
Why Choose the Marc Lopez Law Firm for Your Indiana Criminal Defense?
Navigating the Indiana criminal defense system is challenging, but with the right criminal defense attorney, you can protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome. At the Marc Lopez Law Firm, we are dedicated to providing guidance and aggressive representation to our clients. We understand the impact a criminal charge can have on your life and we want to do everything we can to ensure that we help you. Here’s why we stand out:
- Experience: Our team has a deep understanding of Indiana criminal law and the local court system.
- Personalized Attention: We treat every client with the respect and attention they deserve.
- Strategic Approach: We develop a tailored strategy for each case, focusing on achieving the best possible outcome for our clients.
- Communication: We keep you informed every step of the way and are always available to answer your questions.
If you’re facing criminal charges in Indiana, don’t make these deadly mistakes. Let us help you navigate this difficult time and protect your future. We are here to help you every step of the way. Contact the Marc Lopez Law Firm today at 317-632-3642, and remember—always plead the Fifth!
