Being arrested, detained and charged with criminal offenses is among the most stressful things a person can go through. If law enforcement has identified you as a suspect, there may be little you can do in the immediate term to change their mind.
Nonetheless, it is important to remember that you have a presumption of innocence. In other words, you are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This means that you will have a chance to build your case.
During an arrest and the immediate aftermath, there are a series of mistakes you could make, that will only make matters worse. It is important to refrain from these. Outlined below are some mistakes to avoid when facing criminal charges.
Don’t resist arrest
The idea of being arrested can be infuriating, particularly if you are innocent. Your initial instinct may be to passionately protest your innocence and even resist being handcuffed or arrested. In reality, this could do you more harm than good. In fact, resisting arrest could result in you facing further and separate criminal charges. Even if you are found to be innocent further down the line, resisting arrest will be treated as a completely separate incident and will be tried in the courts on this basis. It is crucial to remember that you will have an opportunity to build a strong legal case when the dust has settled.
Don’t admit guilt
A confession is among the most strong pieces of evidence that the prosecution can obtain. At times, these can be coerced. A person may feel so pressurized by the situation, that they see admitting guilt as the only way to get out of it. The law offers full protection from self-incrimination, and it is vital to keep this in mind when facing criminal charges.
It is up to the prosecution to fully establish your guilt, you do not have to prove your innocence. If you are facing criminal charges in Tenessee, understanding your legal rights could help to obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
