3 dumb mistakes criminals make

On Behalf of | Jan 23, 2018 | blog

Anyone can become involved in criminal activity, from minor violations to severe offenses. Some people escape legal consequences, and others do not. 

Sometimes the difference between these outcomes is due to mistakes a criminal makes, such as these three.

1. Talking too much

An assistant at a chiropractic clinic in Fort Myers had been forging checks and depositing them into an account for personal use, reports ABC News. When detectives confronted him, he confessed responsibility but claimed the chiropractor gave permission for the action. In one moment, this man partially admitted guilt and lied about motive, both of which the prosecution is likely to use against him in his criminal case. Do not answer questions from law enforcement without requesting to speak to a lawyer first.

2. Refusing to cooperate with police 

Although keeping quiet is wise, so is cooperating with police. Some things demand compliance, such as a cop pulling over a driver. This Florida man chose not to, shares NBC News, leading police in a chase and refusing to exit the car. It ended with forceful removal after the car caught fire and in multiple charges beyond the original reason for the traffic stop. Cooperation prevents strengthening the case of the prosecutor.

3. Underestimating lesser charges

Sometimes those engaging in illegal activity only worry about hiding or defending against the most serious offense. However, police know that it can sometimes be hard to convict a careful person of high crimes, even with condemning evidence. They may focus on lesser criminal charges they know they can easily prove guilt for. The defendant may escape the more severe penalty, but it is not just felonies that go on criminal records and affect the ability to obtain employment, housing and various licenses.

In other cases, people are unaware of the additional consequences of a crime. For example, drunk driving can also lead to charges of speeding, reckless driving or endangering a minor. The more charges the prosecution can bring against a defendant, the likelier the person is to receive a conviction.

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