What Should You Be Doing If Facing A Criminal Trial?
Being in legal trouble for a criminal offense is probably something you never thought you would experience. However, after your arrest the situation becomes all too real and the immediate temptation is to panic about what's happening. That's why you need to take care and ensure that you handle the time before the court date effectively. Use these suggestions while you await the trial.
Avoid Witness Tampering
Depending on the circumstances that surrounded your arrest, you might be adamant about talking to people involved in the situation and asking them to help you. You may want to show up at someone's door because you heard they lied about you or otherwise plan to speak with anyone who could be a witness at court. However, this could be seen as witness tampering; after your arrest it is unwise for you to talk with anyone about the situation. If you think someone might be able to help your case in some way, give their information to your attorney and wait for them to move on it.
Don't Go Partying
You may be so panicked and worried about the situation you find yourself in that you go looking for relief in the form of partying at a club or in someone's house. This can be incredibly dangerous depending on who else is there. Not only that, but you could be surrounded by alcohol and drugs that could be a temptation. Loading up on alcohol and getting into a fight with someone could only cause more trouble for you, and you need to avoid that as much as possible. Stick with safe outings with people you trust so you don't endanger your freedom even more.
Enter Rehab
If you are someone whose problems with illegal drugs or alcohol had something to do with the events which led to your criminal arrest, it's smart to deal with those issues now. Not only will a cleaner mind help you handle the stress, but a judge may grant some kind of leniency if they're aware that you're making attempts to better yourself so that you'll stay out of legal trouble. There are both in-patient and out-patient options, so consult a few facilities to see which could be most helpful to you before the trial.
With the guidance above, you should be able to have a better time at home before you need to go to court. A lawyer who specializes in criminal defense, such as Abom & Kutulakis LLP, can guide you even more effectively.
