The modern court system is, at best, tricky – and at worst, a complicated nightmare. You need to know what it is that you’re up against, and some of the common mistakes that need to be avoided. In particular, as you prepare for the defense, here are the things you should be aware of.
Representing Yourself
Just don’t do it. Since everybody has a legal right to do so, it can be a tempting option – since, after all, lawyers are quite expensive. But unless you happen to be a trained, schooled lawyer, you will be all but guaranteeing a defeat by representing yourself. The legal system works in a vastly complicated way that far outweighs the understanding of an untrained individual. Searching on Google is not enough. Watching YouTube tutorials is not enough. Save yourself the trouble and don’t even consider this one unless you’re contesting a traffic ticket.
Changing Lawyers
There are a few reasons why this one can make a difficult situation worse. First of all, changing lawyers can weaken your defense. All lawyers have multiple cases and clients going on at a given time, but public defenders especially can have hundreds of ongoing cases at once. Switching ensures that your new lawyer, even if you like them better, will have a weaker grip on your case in an environment that is already chaotic and inundated with information for hundreds of different cases. You may be tempted to change your lawyer because you do not like what they are trying to do, or the direction they are going in, but they have far more experience of the realities of your case than you do. If you’re frustrated with your lawyer – communicate with them. Ask them to explain to you why they’re doing what they’re doing.
Rejecting Legal Counsel
People go to prison every day because they are sure that they are smarter than their lawyer is. Again, communication really is key here – if you don’t like what your lawyer is doing, tell them, and tell them why. Make sure you’re on the same page in every aspect. If you achieve this, you should have absolutely no reason to distrust any advice your lawyer gives you. This may include how you plead, how you give testimony, and more – but whatever their suggestion is, it is very likely to be the right option.
The court system can be terrifying, and it can also be mind-numbingly boring. It’s undoubtedly a pain to navigate. That’s why it’s so important to be careful – and if you are careful, and you take the precautions you need to, and trust the people you need to trust, you will get the best outcome you can.
Check out this article on legal issues to look out for after a divorce!
