Understanding the Importance of a Strong Legal Defense
So you’re facing criminal charges and you think that you have a pretty good defense. What do you do? My name is Carl Birkhead. I’m a Tulsa criminal defense lawyer with Wirth Law Office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I’ve been practicing family and criminal law for over 8 years now. And I want to help you make law easy by talking about when and how you present your defense in a criminal case.
Listening to Judicial Warnings
In court today, I witnessed a situation that’s a good reminder for anyone facing legal issues: If a judge tells you to remain silent, listen. One individual, who was facing minor charges like public intoxication or jaywalking, decided it was his moment to defend himself. His defense? He wasn’t walking in the street, he had just fallen asleep in the street and woke up when the police arrested him.
Not only was this a poor defense—essentially admitting to being in the street—but it also happened at the wrong time. The judge had already warned him that this wasn’t the time to argue his case, but he chose to keep talking anyway. That led him from the brink of freedom to facing potential jail time.
Strategizing Your Defense
Here’s the key takeaway: If a judge tells you to remain silent, or gives any warning like that, it’s time to stop talking. Thank the judge and remain quiet. Arguing or offering up a defense at the wrong moment can do more harm than good. If you think you have a defense, don’t present it to the judge yourself. Hire an attorney, or if you can’t afford one, apply for a public defender. Let your lawyer decide the right time and manner to present your case.
If you’re representing yourself, understand that you still have the right to negotiate with the prosecutor, but anything you say could be used against you. So, proceed carefully. Your best option is to consult with a professional before making any statements.
Seek Legal Assistance
If you’ve got a case pending or need help navigating the legal process, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s make sure your case is handled the right way from the start.
My name is Carl Birkhead. I’m a Tulsa criminal attorney with Wirth Law Office. And I want to help you make law easy.
Contact Us for a Low-Cost Initial Strategy Session
If you’re facing criminal charges and need guidance, we offer a low-cost initial strategy session to help you understand your options. Contact Wirth Law Office today at 918-879-1681 to schedule your consultation and ensure that your case is approached with the right strategy from the beginning.
