What Not to Do as a Defendant in a Criminal Case

 Posted on July 21, 2025 in Criminal Defense

If you have been accused of committing a crime, your first reaction might be to panic. Nobody wants to consider the long-term implications of a conviction, especially if jail time is a possibility. When under pressure, defendants are more likely to make simple mistakes that end up hurting their cases. Fighting a charge of a misdemeanor or felony offense is not easy, but having a skilled Annapolis, MD criminal defense lawyer at your side can serve as invaluable protection.

At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we have helped numerous clients out of bad situations. Our legal team includes former prosecutors who are highly familiar with how criminal charges are handled in court. We can advise you of what not to do during your case to safeguard your best interests.

Mistake #1 - Failing to Exercise the Fifth Amendment

Most people tend to see themselves as being in the right. As such, it is only natural to want to explain yourself to the police and clear up any misunderstandings. However, despite your good intentions, this could harm your case more than it helps. Any information you volunteer to the police could be relayed to the prosecutor and used against you in court.

In general, you should avoid speaking about your case to anybody but your attorney. Speaking about your case to friends or family or posting about it on social media can also come back to haunt you.

Mistake #2 - Not Seeing a Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you believe that you are innocent of the crime that you have been accused of, you may think that the facts will speak for themselves. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Without effective legal counsel, you may be unequipped to defend yourself against the prosecution. 

A criminal lawyer can advise you of your rights and help you formulate a defense strategy based on real legal precedent. At Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we have access to resources to strengthen your case, including a large network of outside professionals. We can provide you with quality representation to make sure that your rights are protected in court.

Mistake #3 - Neglecting Courtroom Etiquette

First impressions matter in any social situation. This is especially true in the courtroom, where the impression you make on the judge and jury can make a difference in sentencing.

In general, you should dress nicely for the courtroom in formal clothing with subdued colors. Additionally, you should respect the judge’s authority and obey his or her instructions exactly as described. If you speak out of turn or disrespect the judge, you could be held in contempt of court, which comes with additional penalties.

At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we help all of our clients prepare for the hearings. We will advise you of what to say and how to act prior to your appearance in front of a judge.

Meet With an Annapolis, MD Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

At the Law Offices of Murphy & Price LLP, we can help you avoid simple mistakes during your criminal case. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Anne Arundel, MD criminal law attorneys, call our offices at 410-280-2500 today.