How to Prepare for a Criminal Trial as the Defendant

Persons charged with crimes are entitled to a criminal trial to defend themselves against the charge(s) against them. It is absolutely necessary for defendants to sit down with their attorneys and thoroughly prepare a defense strategy to have the best chance of beating the charges and avoiding fines or prison time. Follow these steps to learn more.

Instructions

• Maintain a respectable appearance. Though the law compels the jury to be impartial and find you guilty or not guilty based solely on the evidence before it, looking as though you care what the jury thinks of you can only help your cause.

• Hire a qualified criminal attorney to represent you during your criminal trial. Get the best lawyer you can afford. Remember that many law firms specialize in certain types of cases. No matter what crime you are accused of, there's a law firm somewhere that can defend you against the charges.

• Meet with your attorney regularly to prepare a defense. Be candid with your attorney. Lawyer-client confidentiality laws protect you.

• Follow any advice your attorney gives you to the letter. Your lawyer may advise you on your pretrial conduct, people you should or should not associate with and things you should or should not do to prepare.

• Stay out of trouble. Don't do anything illegal while you are free on bond or bail. It is disadvantageous to your defense if you are charged with any further crimes while you are already the defendant in a criminal case.

• Arrive on time for all court proceedings, because you may be found in contempt of court if you don't. Such a ruling will negatively impact your chances of acquittal.

• Be courteous and respectful to court officials, especially the judge and jury. Juries are unlikely to acquit an impudent or arrogant defendant, and the judge has the final say on your sentence. If you have consistently treated the judge coarsely, he or she may levy the harshest punishment allowed.

• Know your rights as you go through the criminal justice system. The American Civil Liberties Union (see the Resources section below) is a good place to find information and advocacy for your rights.

Tips & Warnings

• The defendant in a criminal trial has special rights under U.S. law, including the right to a speedy trial and the right to due process.

• If you are convicted of a crime in a criminal trial, it will be on your permanent criminal record. A criminal record can be detrimental to your ability to secure gainful employment, travel outside your native country or apply for credit from financial institutions.