Tips To Keep In Mind When You Are Accused Of Assault Or Violence

Posted on: 3 June 2019

Being accused of a violent crime can really throw you for a loop, especially if you believe you are innocent. Violent crimes such as any type of assault often carry harsh penalties if convicted. If this is the type of crime you are now accused of, you need to do all you can to give yourself a fighting chance in court. Here are some tips to keep in mind after being accused of a violent crime like assault.

You Need a Lawyer Right Now

If you have not yet hired a criminal law attorney to help with your defense, that is the very first thing you should do before moving forward. A criminal law lawyer is an expert at defending people against charges like the ones you now face. He or she can help you plan for the future, including your defense at trial. He or she can also prevent you from getting into more trouble by telling you what you should and should not be doing. Being found guilty of a violent offense can obviously be life-changing, so don't go down without a fight and the right legal help.

Request All Evidence and Get Your Own Story Down

If your case will be heading to trial, you may have the legal right to look at certain evidence the other side has before the trial actually begins. For example, if there was information presented to a grand jury or during a discovery process, this information may now be public and available to access by you or your lawyer. Examine all evidence and look for holes in the other side's version of events. You will also want to write down your own side of things and memorize it. The quickest way to get into trouble during a criminal trial is to get caught changing your story. Stick to the facts and tell the same version of events every time.

Additional Witnesses Could Be Key

In some cases, your trial could basically be "He Said, She Said." That is to say that one party is saying one thing happened and the other party has a different version of events. If this is the case, you will want to work to secure additional testimony about what happened. For example, if there was a bar fight, you might want to reach out to other people who were at the bar, or see if the bar has any security video of the fight. Having a lawyer can make obtaining this information much easier.

If you are accused of a violent crime, contact a criminal defense attorney immediately.

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