Truly, one of the most daunting experiences anyone can face is finding themselves on the wrong side of the law, staring down the barrel of criminal charges. Still, being charged with a crime is generally a beginning instead of an end so that if you’re proactive, chances are you can successfully defend yourself.

Here are 3 key proactive steps.

Hire an Experienced Defense Attorney

Whether you’ve been accused of a sex offense or disorderly conduct, if you’re due in court, 9 times out of 10 you want to have a lawyer; a seasoned defense attorney on your side with the legal smarts, know-how, and connections to tackle your case.

You want someone guiding you through the maze of legal stuff, standing up for your rights, and fighting for the best possible outcome for you.

So:

• Start by looking up local defense attorneys who specialize in handling cases like yours. Check out their track record and what past clients have to say
• Book consultations with a few potential attorneys to chat about your case. Get a feel for their experience, and how they plan to handle your situation
• Pay attention to things like how they communicate, their fees, and whether you feel comfortable trusting them with your case. Pick someone you feel good about working closely with

Gather Evidence

Gathering evidence means you can stack the deck in your favor, poke holes in the other side’s argument, and possibly even dodge some serious outcomes.

So:

• Team up with your defense attorney to figure out what evidence you need and how to get your hands on it legally
• Round up anything that could help your case, like security footage, or any other paperwork that supports your story
• Consider bringing in the big guns, like forensic experts or medical pros, to back up your defense
• If you’ve got witnesses who can vouch for you, make sure they’re prepped and ready to tell their side of the story in court

Stay Engaged and Informed

Staying in the loop and staying involved means you’re not flying blind through the legal process. You want to be able to make informed decisions, not just sit on the sidelines. Knowledge is power, so stay in the know

So:

• Show up to every court date, every meeting with your attorney, and any other legal stuff that’s on your plate
• Don’t be shy about speaking up and asking your attorney about anything you’re unsure about. They’re there to help, so make the most of their expertise
• Educate yourself about what you’re up against, what could happen if things go south, and what your rights are

Defending yourself in a criminal court is typically rightfully daunting. Still, with a competent attorney, the correct evidence, and the power of knowledge, your chances are good.