If you are facing criminal charges, you know that everything hinges on a successful criminal defense strategy. That is why Criminal Defense Lawyer Lake of The Ozarks – Kirsch & Kirsch, LLC recommends you reach out to a criminal defense attorney who has experience in cases similar to yours right away for them to have as much time as possible to build a strong case on your behalf. Additionally, you can further prepare yourself for criminal defense by following some of these ideas.
Gather Evidence
The sooner you start gathering evidence, the greater your chances that it will still be available. Put together a file including all the evidence you have gathered. This may include police reports, arrest records, surveillance footage, phone records, bills, receipts, and physical objects. You may also want to interview any witnesses and record their testimonies.
Seek Emotional Support
Even with the sharpest criminal defense attorney by your side, you will still be facing a stressful and uncertain process. This alone may have an unexpected impact on your professional and personal life. Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the possible outcomes of your case by seeking the support of your family and friends, or by talking to a counselor that can give you guidelines on how to deal with feelings of anxiety and depression. The stronger and calmer you are by the time your case goes to trial, the better.
Review All Charges Against You
Remember that the prosecutor must prove the charges against you beyond a reasonable doubt. Take the time to sit with your criminal defense attorney and discuss the possible defense strategies that may work well for you. You may discuss the fact that you have an alibi, or maybe that you acted in self-defense. Depending on the circumstances of your case, your attorney may also suggest entrapment, insanity, or mistake of fact, just to name a few defenses.
Cooperate With Your Attorney
It is vitally important to follow your attorney’s instructions to the letter. They will tell you how to conduct yourself both during the pre-trial and trial stages. You will have previously decided with your attorney how you are going to plead and you should be prepared to plead guilty or not guilty, knowing the consequences of each action. Your attorney will also make recommendations as to whether you will or will not testify, and if it is decided that you will testify, your attorney will go over with you how you should present your case. In every step, your attorney will be by your side so that you can make an informed choice.
By taking the time to prepare for your criminal defense, you can be sure that all that could have been done has been done. This way you can increase your chances of your case being as favorable as possible to you. If you have any doubts along the way, be sure to consult with your attorney to get your concerns answered.
