If you suspect that you’re under investigation for a crime or have been formally charged, it’s absolutely imperative that your first call be to contact criminal lawyers in Bloomington, IL, that you can rely on. The legal process can be profoundly overwhelming and not to mention stressful, and, as a result, the defendant can make missteps that can have a severe impact on the outcome of the case. The potential consequences of a conviction are high, and defendants must take every precaution necessary to protect themselves from further implications. Possible consequences may result in a permanent mark on someone’s record, and a conviction could also result in prison time, fines, etc. As a result, a conviction may be tough to distance yourself from when looking for a job or obtaining housing in the future. With help from Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols, we can provide sound legal strategy and guidance that will ensure that the following mistakes defendants often make are avoided:
Evading Law Enforcement
When law enforcement is attempting to make an arrest, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is to hide from the police or resist arrest. At the moment, it may seem instinctual to want to run or hide but, by doing so, you not only look guilty, resisting arrest can result in even more severe consequences. In Illinois, resisting arrest may result in a misdemeanor charge, but it’s important to note that if the officer is injured; as a result, resisting arrest can escalate to a felony charge.
Inadvertently Making Statements That Are Incriminating
Law enforcement may want to ask you questions if they believe you have information about a crime that they are answering. If you have been arrested, they will most likely ask that you undergo questions. You must exercise your right to remain silent and request the presence of your Bloomington, IL, criminal lawyers before answering any questions. There are many reasons this is important. Not only do you put yourself at risk for inadvertently saying something that further incriminates you, but it could also make it more challenging to mitigate the possible consequences.
Posting to Social Media
If you are involved in a legal entanglement that may result in a criminal conviction, law enforcement will leave no stone unturned during their investigation. Part of the investigation will most likely involve careful analysis of any social media activity. Investigators can use social media to gather evidence, confirm whereabouts, develop timelines and collect any information that may be incriminating. For all these reasons, social media posts can be especially damning, and because of this, it’s best to avoid posting anything altogether.
Not Following Your Lawyers Recommendations
As mentioned, the possible consequences of a criminal conviction are high, and you’ve hired a lawyer to protect you from the severity of those consequences. Because of this, you must always follow the recommendations provided by the lawyer you have entrusted to represent you. Their recommendations are made not only for your protection but because they are imperative to the legal defense they have developed to represent you in your case.
Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols is a law firm that has vast experience with managing cases involving criminal charges. Do not wait another moment to have your rights protected in the way you deserve; reach out to our criminal lawyers in Bloomington, IL.