If you know me in real life or if you've been reading my blog for a while, you probably know that I work as a criminal defense paralegal. I've been in this line of work for over 8 years, and believe me when I tell you that I've seen it all. Nothing surprises me anymore. I have experience ranging from providing representation for a simple speeding ticket to serious felony charges. I have even worked on several first degree murder cases. Of course, not everyone accused of a crime is guilty, but I am being realistic when I say that the majority of my clients are guilty of at least something, even if it's just hanging around people they shouldn't have been hanging around. Facing criminal charges can be one of the scariest situations you will ever face in your life. Having quality legal representation can make all the difference in how your case turns out. However, your attorney can't do everything for you. Having a successful outcome in a criminal matter involves effort on the part of the client, too. In my time here, I've seen people throw away great deals because they couldn't seem to get it together enough to do what the court told them to do. I've also seen people with all odds stacked against them snatch victory from the jaws of defeat because they take such an active role in helping their attorney demonstrate to the court why they deserve leniency. Throughout my time working in criminal defense, I've noticed a pattern with regard to how a client's attitude tends to affect the outcome of their case. The clients who get the best results have acknowledged the following three truths, which I also happen to think extend beyond the legal world to life success in general:
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