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Being charged with a crime in Los Angeles is among the most stressful experiences someone can go through. Whether you’re accused of a misdemeanor or a more serious felony, your reputation, personal relationships, employment opportunities, and potentially your freedom are on the line. Under that kind of pressure, it can be easy to make critical errors that could seriously damage your case and future.
At the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, we’ve seen firsthand how a small mistake can escalate into severe consequences for criminal defendants in California. Avoiding those errors is essential, but first you need to know the most common missteps and how a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles can protect your rights.
Attorney Justin E. Sterling has over 20 years of criminal law experience in Southern California. As a former trial attorney in the Los Angeles Public Defender’s Office, he handled complex cases from almost every specialized unit in the county, including Major Crimes, Family Violence, and the High-Tech Crimes Unit. In private practice, he brings that same level of commitment to an intentionally selective caseload involving a wide range of criminal matters.
Help is just a call away. Reach out or contact us online today for a free consultation.
Why Your Actions Matter After a Criminal Charge
When you are charged with a crime, prosecutors, law enforcement, and possibly even the public will scrutinize your every move —especially if the allegations are serious or high-profile. You might feel helpless, but you’re not. Your actions during this period can influence plea negotiations, trial outcomes, and even sentencing.
First Impressions Matter
Judges, prosecutors, and juries are often heavily influenced by their initial perceptions of you. Swaying their opinions after a bad impression can be challenging. That’s why it’s critical to act cautiously and contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles as soon as your arrest.
Top Mistakes to Avoid After Being Charged with a Crime
Here are some key errors to avoid during the legal process to protect yourself.
#1. Talking to Law Enforcement Without Legal Counsel
Law enforcement officers are dead serious when they say, “Anything you say can and will be used against you” while reading you your Miranda rights. They may act kindly, understanding, or as if they’re trying to help, but they are investigators seeking a confession that you committed a crime. You may find your efforts to explain yourself twisted into something incriminating, no matter how harmless you believe your statements were.
Your Miranda rights also inform you of the right to remain silent. Always exercise this right until you have a criminal defense lawyer present. Your attorney can offer guidance on how to respond during police questioning.
#2. Delaying Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney
When you are charged with a crime, it can be difficult to accept that the charges aren’t going away by themselves and that you’re going to need legal representation. You may worry about whether you can afford an attorney or what people will think if you “lawyer up.” But waiting to contact an attorney could hurt you in the long run — and at the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, we offer free consultations.
A Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can help protect and enforce your rights, collect evidence before it gets contaminated or destroyed, and work to minimize the impact of the charges. The longer you wait to seek legal counsel, the less time you have to build a case. Remember, the prosecution has been working on their side since the moment they charged you.
#3. Ignoring Legal Notices or Court Dates
Failing to read or respond to legal documents is another mistake that can quickly worsen your situation after being charged with a crime. Whether it’s a court summons, bail condition, or motion notice, ignoring your notices can result in bench warrants, additional charges, or a loss of credibility in court.
Read every document carefully and attend all scheduled hearings. If you miss a date for any reason, inform your attorney immediately. Courts are far more likely to be lenient if you get ahead of your mistakes and remain respectful of the legal process.
#4. Posting About the Case on Social Media
Avoid social media altogether until the case is resolved, if possible.
Your social media posts could become evidence in your criminal case. Avoid discussing your case or any of the people involved to avoid jeopardizing your defense. You may feel like it’s just venting or defending yourself to the public, but what you say and do can have serious implications.
#5. Assuming the Case Will Resolve Itself
Whether it’s due to wishful thinking, a misunderstanding of the justice system, or a fear of facing the possibility of conviction, many people take a passive approach to their case. Unfortunately, that’s not how criminal charges work, even when you’re innocent.
Every person is legally entitled to fair treatment under California law. However, you must be proactive to improve your chances of the best possible outcome. An experienced criminal lawyer can do much of the heavy lifting, but you should still be engaged in your case and ready to fight for your rights.
How to Protect Yourself After Being Charged
Steps you can take to protect your rights when facing criminal charges include:
- Exercising your right to remain silent – Prosecutors, law enforcement, and others will attempt to talk to you about your case. Don’t say anything about it to any of them unless you consult a lawyer.
- Hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney – Choose someone with experience handling your specific type of charge as soon as possible.
- Telling your attorney the truth – Withholding information from your lawyer can weaken your case. Tell them everything so there are no surprises from the prosecution later.
- Keeping careful records – There’s no such thing as too much evidence. If you have documents, names of witnesses, or other information related to the alleged crime, provide them to your lawyer and keep the contents confidential.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling?
At the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, we know outcomes matter. Firm founder Justin E. Sterling has tried over 70 cases to verdict in numerous California courts. Clients who select us benefit from his:
- Knowledge of the local courts
- Solid working relationships with prosecutors, judges, and court personnel
- History of acquittals, dismissals, and plea bargains secured for clients, including reduced charges, probation, and placement in diversionary programs (as the facts of the case allow)
If you’re facing criminal charges — or charged for a crime you didn’t commit — reach out to our law firm for guidance on the do’s and don’ts of navigating California’s criminal justice system.
Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney in Los Angeles
The team at the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling has over two decades of experience defending Los Angeles clients as they face the fight of their lives. We’ll stand by your side in the battle for justice. Contact us today for your free case review.
