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General Information about Criminal Law

Nothing is more disconcerting than being arrested and charged with a crime that could result in an outcome that may deprive you of life and liberty.

Certainly, all of the television programs regarding police dramas and courtroom dramas do not adequately, nor accurately, depict what the system is like and how it is in real life. Oftentimes, the police in television programs do things that would not be done in real life. Oftentimes the television program does not depict some of the actual things that police officers and law enforcement agencies will do in order to try to obtain a conviction.

Furthermore, courtroom dramas are nothing more than that, dramas written by television producers that are clearly ignorant of any and all evidentiary rules and laws. This results in the general public having a serious misconception of what is possible in terms of outcomes in the courtroom and how cases must be prepared for trial.

Lawyers grapple with all of these misconceptions created by Hollywood and you will not know exactly what to expect until you consult with an attorney who is experienced in criminal defense.

Of course, everyone knows that in the United States you are innocent until proven guilty, but there is a great deal more to it than that. Despite the fact that persons have a right to privacy and do not have to give any statements to police, you would be surprised how many people voluntarily allow the police to search their vehicles, or give statements to police instead of remaining quiet and seeking the advice of an attorney. Instead, persons routinely and voluntarily fail to enforce their rights to privacy and prosecuting officers utilize information against the party in order to obtain a conviction.

If you have questions about what you should or should not do during an arrest, you should seek the advice of an attorney so that your questions can be answered specifically. Certainly, at a minimum, a party should always be very cordial, professional, and cooperative with a police officer, even when refusing to answer any questions, or requesting the representation of an attorney, etc.