subject: Know What To Do When Involved In Criminal Litigation [print this page] What makes an act a crime? In the simplest sense, everything that is committed against the law is considered a crime. The more obvious ones are theft, rape, murder. These can be easily filed with criminal litigation.
However, there are other, more subtle acts that are crimes nonetheless. These are the following: assault, libel, plagiarism. Most people do not even know that these things are against the rules. This doesnt exempt them though. Legislators and criminal lawyers often say, Ignorance of the law is not an excuse.
Whatever crime is committed, whether as hardcore as murder or as minor as online plagiarism, one needs a proper criminal lawyer as representation. It does not matter that the accused did not know that what he or she did was against the law. They need to be properly represented if the court demands their presence to show in proceedings.
There is no big or small crime. There is only crime. That is the bottom line. If you are a suspect to a crime, it is important not to panic but immediately seek legal help for your predicament. Look for a criminal lawyer who is known for defending and winning clients with similar cases as you. Criminal litigation is a serious matter. I do not know what your case is. But even if it is only assault, if the victim decided to press charges, you will definitely have to show up in court.
It is your right not to speak to anyone until you have gotten yourself a criminal lawyer. If your offense is major in nature, for example murder or embezzlement, the wisest thing to do is to expose everything to your lawyer. Your lawyer represents you, so it is vital that you only tell the truth. That way, he or she can build up a strong defense for you. If you are innocent, then all the better. All they have to look for is the evidence of your innocence. But if you are guilty, your criminal lawyers will have to look for loopholes or develop arguments that the case against you is not valid enough for a court proceeding.
Crime happens every day, and most of them go by unnoticed. If you are in the unfortunate situation of being trapped and couldnt find any means of escape, that is when you need a lawyer more than ever, especially if these things are still new to you. Just always remember that you only have to speak to your lawyer and not to anyone else. You should be able to know your Miranda rights as well. Sure, the police will recite them to you in the instance you get arrested in the future, but you should know them yourself for your own good. They are your rights after all. The following is the Miranda warning (rights):
You have the right to remain silent.
Anything you say or do can and will be held against you in a court of law.
You have the right to an attorney.
If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you.
Do you understand these rights I have just read to you?
Crime can happen anywhere. You can be the victim or you can be the instigator. Either way, it helps to know what to do when the situation arises.
