09/12/2026
Five Do's And Don’ts After Being Charged With A Crime
The Do's
1) Do remain silent: Politely tell law enforcement that you will not answer questions or make statements until you have a lawyer.
2) Do hire a lawyer: Retain a qualified defense attorney as quickly as possible to handle your case and explore your options.
3) Do be honest with your attorney: Share all relevant facts and details openly; your conversation is protected by attorney-client privilege.
4) Do attend all court dates: Keep a reliable calendar and show up to every scheduled hearing on time to avoid arrest warrants or extra penalties.
5) Do preserve documentation: Keep all court notices, paperwork, and records, and give them directly to your legal counsel.
The Don'ts
1) Don't talk about your case: Avoid explaining your side of the story to police, friends, or family members.
2) Don't post on social media: Refrain from sharing photos, comments, or private messages about the charges online.
3) Don't contact witnesses or alleged victims: Reaching out can be misconstrued as witness tampering or intimidation, leading to separate criminal charges.
4) Don't destroy or alter information: Keep all physical and digital records intact; deleting messages or modifying devices creates severe legal problems.
5) Don't miss court obligations or violate orders: Follow all release conditions and protective orders strictly.
