Adoption 101: The Legal Fundamentals

Adoption 101: The Legal Fundamentals

Four Tips To Avoid Trouble Before Your Criminal Trial

Brayden Miles

It's important not to do anything that could hurt your case if you are facing criminal charges, but it can be difficult to know what to avoid. Consulting with a criminal lawyer is the first thing you should do to make sure you are handling the charges correctly. The following tips can also further help you avoid any mistakes that could come back to haunt you as your case unfolds.

Tip #1: Zip Your Lips

Don't talk about the case or charges to anyone, beyond close and trusted family members. Anyone could later turn out to be a witness or may be called upon to testify against you. Don't discuss the charges with anyone in the cell or with the guards is you are detained, avoid discussing anymore than necessary with an employer or coworkers, and don't talk when out with friends.

Tip #2: Close Down Your Online Accounts

It's time to take that social media break. It's in your best interest to close down or temporarily suspend all of your social media accounts. Even if you don't plan to discuss the case online, the prosecuting team may still comb your accounts for anything that could be construed as bad behavior. Others may also post things that link to your account that could be taken the wrong.

Tip #3: Thin Your Friends

Sometimes someone in your social circle will be called upon to witness in your case. When this happens, it's time to take a breather from the friendship until after the case is resolved. This is because even simple behaviors, such as buying a friend lunch, can be taken as an attempt to sway the witness's testimony. You don't want the prosecuting side to misread any of your intentions and use them against you, so it's best to take a hiatus from these people until the case is resolved. Be honest with your friend about why you are doing this, so they don't feel like they are being snubbed.

Tip #4: Be Proactive

It may seem like the best thing to do is to sit inside your home and not talk to anyone, but there are better things you could be doing with this time. Take some proactive steps to show the court that you are doing your best to stay out of trouble. Take a safe driving course if the charges are driving related, or enter a substance abuse program if the charges are related to a DUI. Talk with your attorney (like those at the firm of O'Brien & Dekker) first, though, to make sure these won't be taken as an admittance of guilt. You can also spend your free time volunteering and showing that you are a responsible and contributing member of society. Do something positive and avoid any negative behaviors, such as drug or alcohol use, in the period leading up to trial.


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Adoption 101: The Legal Fundamentals

If you've decided that you want to adopt a child, the first thing you should do is reach out to a family law attorney. While it may not seem logical to get an attorney involved from the start, it's important that you protect yourself legally from the beginning. After making the decision to adopt, I have been through the process several times. I created this site to help other adoptive parents understand what they can expect from the entire process, including the legal support you're likely to need. I hope this information helps you feel more confident in this major life decision.