Assault Lawyer
Assault charges can range depending upon the severity, while some situations may have you looking at a misdemeanor, other more serious matters may mean a felony charge. Because of this, consequences can vary from probation to jail time. Additionally, if your accuser claims to have suffered damages as a result of your infraction, you may find yourself facing a personal injury lawsuit in addition to the criminal charges you may already be facing. Types of assault charges may include:
- Simple Assault
- Aggravated Assault
- Sexual Assault
- Assault and Battery
Turning to a criminal defense lawyer that you trust can provide you with legal protection you can rely on. When facing litigation through both the civil and criminal court systems, it’s important to avoid making these common mistakes that may stand to make matters worse:
Mistake #1 Not Contacting a Lawyer From the Start
The expense of a lawyer can be daunting, however, obtaining legal services from a criminal defense lawyer may prove essential when facing criminal and civil matters in the courtroom. These processes can be incredibly confusing for someone with no experience in legal matters. Representing yourself may only result in bigger problems. The consequences you stand to face can be great, loss of license, fines, probation and even jail time can have a serious impact on your life. When coupled with a pending personal injury lawsuit, you may even risk having to pay damages to the victim of the assault. With so much on the line, it’s important to make sure that you have a lawyer by your side, guiding you right from the start.
Mistake #2 Enduring Questions from Police Without a Lawyer Present
When law enforcement is investigating a case, they may ask to question you regarding the event in question. Whether or not you are considered a suspect is beside the point. Although it may seem harmless to cooperate with law enforcement without an attorney, this has the ability to be potentially damaging to your case. By doing so, you put yourself at risk of further implicating yourself. If you are arrested or called in for questioning, it’s best to contact a criminal defense lawyer right away to guide you through questioning with law enforcement. They can help mitigate the risk that you accidentally admit to something that you did not do.
Mistake #3 Not Taking Your Lawyers Advice
The purpose of a lawyer is to have someone who understands the legal system, helping you to navigate the process and strategize a strong legal defense for your case. Because of this, your lawyer will advise you on what to do and say, by guiding you in how best to manage yourself in and out of the courtroom. It’s not uncommon for defendants to blatantly disregard the advice of their lawyer. Keep in mind that you are paying your lawyer to represent you in a way that mitigates the consequences you are facing. Disregarding their advice can only make representing you more challenging, and may lead to more significant consequences down the road.
Mistake #4 Not Behaving in Court
It is vital that you are on your best behavior in the courtroom. Legal entanglements can be stressful, with so much on the line it’s only natural for things to be emotionally fueled. Despite this, it’s important that you maintain your composure. Having an outburst in the courtroom will do nothing to help your case, in fact, it may make matters worse.
If you have been charged or convicted of assault, you may find yourself also contending with a personal injury lawsuit. It’s important to obtain legal representation from a criminal defense lawyer to help you manage the legal process you are about to endure. Contact a lawyer today so that they may review your case and begin providing you with a strong legal defense.
Source: Assault Lawyer Arlington, TX, Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC