Getting a fair outcome

If you are charged with a criminal offence, it is crucial to understand how to conduct yourself during the proceedings. Poor and illegal behaviour will lead to additional legal charges with heavy penalties. It is advisable to engage legal services when you are accused of any crime. The counsel provided will protect you from potential complications, whether you have committed the offence or not.

You should ask your lawyer to prepare you for the court by educating you on the desired conduct. If you commit an transgression against the court during your case, the crime will be perceived as an offence against justice. Here are the primary criminal offences that you should avoid when your court case is launched.

Contempt of Court

The magistrate has the authority to hold you in contempt of the court during the case. This offence is considered as any action that interferes and undermines the authority and esteem of the court. It also encompasses behaviour that challenges the dignity and performance of the people involved in the proceedings. It is critical to conduct yourself in a way that shows respect throughout your entire case. Common actions that will lead to the contempt charge include abusing the magistrate, refusing to respond to questions, ignoring court orders and failing to give an oath as directed. The penalty of contempt will depend on the specific circumstances. However, you can be fined heavily and even be sentenced to jail time.

Bribery

Bribery is a serious criminal offence against the justice system because the action undermines the integrity of the court. Bribery refers to the practice of offering money, valuable gifts or other favours to a public official with special access to your case. The official can be a police officer or a judicial officer of the court. The aim of any bribe is to get the individuals involved in the case to rule in your favour, without the objective analysis of the presented evidence and testimony. The penalty imposed on people accused of bribing an official is typically jail time. You should avoid any action that can be construed as bribery.

Perjury

You are obligated to present the truth in court during criminal proceedings. The truth can be in form of speech or in writing, depending on the circumstances. Perjury is the act of intentional presentation of false evidence, declarations, testimony and swearing an oath falsely. You should be cautious when speaking in court because careless words can become legal charges. If you are uncertain about your words, consult your lawyer.