You might feel conflicted when facing a criminal investigation. Even if you did nothing wrong, you might believe admitting you were at a certain place, know a specific person or own a particular item could make it more likely you are convicted.
For example, you did not shoot that person, but that gun was in your house at one point. You did not rob that store, but you were outside the mall at the time it happened.
It’s up to the prosecution to prove you are guilty
If police and prosecutors think you are guilty, they will go all out to prove it, snatching on any snippets of evidence to help them, including anything you say. Hence, it is crucial you avoid talking to the police, investigators or prosecutors without legal advice.
Don’t lie
The alternative to uttering a truth that might harm your defense is to say nothing. Lying under oath could lead to further charges. Maintaining silence or saying “no comment” will not – it is your legal right.
Be honest with your attorney
They are on your side. They are not going to tell anyone information you tell them in confidentiality if it would harm your case, only if it would strengthen it.
It’s easier for them to construct a viable defense argument if they understand the whole situation.
Imagine you tell your team that you were not outside the mall at the time of the robbery; then, the prosecution pulls out security camera footage showing you were. It makes the case they are presenting on your behalf less viable. A jury might think, if they were wrong about that bit, what else were they wrong about?
Getting legal help to understand what to do is crucial to maintain the best chances of escaping a conviction.