Top 5 Reasons Lying to Your Lawyer is a Bad Idea Posted By LawPivot | Published July 20, 2012 When facing a legal battle, you may feel that disclosing damaging information to your lawyer may have negative results. However, telling your lawyer the truth is imperative to your case and well being. Here are five reasons why it is a bad idea to lie to your lawyer: 1. Your Lawyer Won’t Represent You Adequately As in most professions, if you are not provided with the best information possible, it is very difficult to do your job. A lawyer is no different. They are not hired to judge you, but instead to defend you. No matter what you have done, chances are that your lawyer has seen or heard much worse. If you lie, your lawyer is at a disadvantage and your case may be much more difficult to win. By lying, you’re essentially sending your lawyer onto the battlefield with one arm tied behind their back. Give them a fighting chance to gather all the relevant evidence to create a strong case on your behalf. 2. Negotiation Won’t Be an Option In many cases, negotiation is a valid option in court. Should your lawyer need to negotiate a settlement or jail term, having all of the correct information is obligatory. If you were to lie to your lawyer and the lie was later brought up in court, your opportunity to negotiate may be over. By disclosing all necessary information to your lawyer, you will have a better chance of negotiating a deal which is beneficial to you. 3. Chances Are You’ll Be Caught With technology and modern science, the odds are against you should you decide to lie to your lawyer and the courts. Video surveillance, DNA testing, and private investigation could all stack up against you in a court of law. If you tell the whole truth to your lawyer, they will be able to navigate your case more effectively. They can find out how to deal with situations that may be damaging to your case. Failing to do so could result in prosecution, or worse, lead to losing your case. 4. Your Case Will Take Longer Than It Should Should you choose to lie to your lawyer, key aspects of your case may be difficult to prove if you withhold important information. Your lawyer may find it difficult to present evidence due to your fabrications. This could result in a longer court battle and could, in turn, cost you more money in legal fees. 5. Don’t Force Your Lawyer To Lie Your Behalf Your lawyer is bound by strict rules of confidentiality, prohibiting them to disclose information without your expressed permission. If in serious doubt about what to tell your lawyer, don’t say anything at all. Silence is better than lying in most cases, but the truth is always the best policy. Should you disclose lies to your lawyer, they may be forced to say nothing at all should they feel that you’re lying. Breaking the trust could result in a negative impact on your case. They may not have confidence in what you say and could lose confidence in your case altogether. Give your lawyer all of the pertinent information they will need to win your case.
Posted on: Sun, 06 Oct 2013 03:36:38 +0000