Criminal case mistakes

If you have a criminal charge, a traffic matter, an impaired driving case in North Carolina, or a related legal issue that might affect your license, liberty, family, job, reputation, or future, knowing how to work effectively with a defense lawyer is an important first step. Lawyers focus on case analysis, strategy, negotiation, and courtroom advocacy. The client’s role in that is important. We need to know, early on, what really happened.

That sounds simple until fear takes over. A pending case can make normally very reasonable folks act in ways that can hurt them in the long run. They start talking to witnesses, texting, and even trying to call the charging officer. Sometimes they explain themselves online or respond to a snarky comment on social media. Occasionally, clients hide facts from their lawyer because the truth seems too embarrassing.

To be clear, the lawyer-client relationship is not built on flattery, blind trust, or constant reassurance. Defense lawyers truly want to help their clients. That’s why we went to law school. We enjoy helping people. We want to make a difference. A solid professional relationship and trust can take time. Here’s What NOT To Do when it comes to working with your lawyer: