It’s a moment you never thought you’d face: blue lights, a police officer’s voice, handcuffs, a holding cell. Your head is spinning, and the moment you’re released or given a second alone, you do what most people do—you pull out your phone and start Googling.
It feels like the smart thing to do. After all, your phone can tell you how to fix a leaky faucet, how to argue with an airline over lost luggage, or what that weird noise in your car might be. So why wouldn’t it help with a criminal charge?
But here’s the truth: Google is not your lawyer.
It’s not just that legal advice online is generic—it’s that acting on myths and misinformation can actively make your situation worse. And when your freedom, future, and reputation are on the line, there’s no room for DIY legal strategies based on Reddit threads or blog comments.
Let’s look at five common myths people believe after being charged with a crime—and why they’re not just wrong, but dangerous.
Panicked and Googling? Why That’s a Risky First Move.
The urge to search for answers is natural. When you're terrified and don't know what happens next, the internet seems like a lifeline. But the problem is that Google doesn’t know your specific case. It doesn’t know what happened during your arrest, what the officers said, what was recorded, or what’s already in your file.
Legal outcomes hinge on details. The kind of detail that’s impossible to translate through search results or generalized advice articles.
Online, you’ll find everything from worst-case horror stories to overconfident posts claiming charges were “dropped in five minutes.” It’s a recipe for confusion, false hope, or even worse—action based on a complete misunderstanding of your rights or risks.
It’s also easy to start self-diagnosing your situation: “Well, someone said this charge is minor, and their lawyer said XYZ, so maybe I don’t need to worry…” See how fast that snowballs?
Let’s break down the most common and damaging myths that pop up right after a criminal charge.
Myth #1: “I Don’t Need a Lawyer If I’m Innocent”
This one feels intuitive. “If I didn’t do it, what do I have to be afraid of?”
But the justice system doesn’t run on innocence alone—it runs on evidence, procedure, and human judgment. People who are innocent get convicted every day. Not necessarily because of bad intentions, but because they misunderstood how serious their situation was or how to defend themselves effectively.
An innocent person might:
- Say something that’s later twisted or misunderstood.
- Miss a key deadline or court appearance.
- Agree to a plea deal they didn’t need to take, just to make it all go away.
Being innocent doesn’t protect you from the consequences of a weak defense or poor legal strategy. It’s heartbreaking, but it's reality. That’s why an experienced criminal defense attorney doesn’t just “get you off the hook”—they make sure your side of the story is heard clearly, legally, and in a way the court will understand.
Myth #2: “I Can Just Explain Everything to the Police”
This is one of the most common traps people fall into. You may think that if you just tell your side of the story, the officer or investigator will see reason and let you go.
But police aren’t there to weigh both sides. They’re there to build a case. When they ask you questions, they’re gathering evidence, not giving you a fair shot at clearing things up.
Even the calmest, most cooperative conversations can turn against you:
- You admit something small, thinking it’s harmless—but it connects you to the scene.
- You misremember a detail, and it’s painted as “inconsistency.”
- You speak without legal guidance and unintentionally give the prosecution ammunition.
You have a right to remain silent for a reason. Use it. Then call a lawyer. Let them do the explaining—when and how it’s most effective.
Myth #3: “Google Says This Charge Isn’t a Big Deal”
When you search your charge online, you might find reassuring language. Things like:
- “First-time offenders often just get probation.”
- “It’s only a misdemeanor.”
- “This is a low-level offense.”
That may all be true—in some cases. But not necessarily in yours.
The law has layers. Something that looks minor could still carry:
- Jail time
- A permanent criminal record
- Employment consequences
- Immigration issues
- Loss of professional licenses
Not to mention, local courts and prosecutors vary. A charge that’s handled lightly in one jurisdiction may be treated much more harshly in another.
A Google search can’t account for:
- Your specific judge or prosecutor
- Your past record (even if it’s minor)
- The unique facts of your case
Only a criminal defense attorney can look at the full picture and tell you how serious the charge is for you.
Myth #4: “I’ll Just Represent Myself—How Hard Can It Be?”
People often underestimate how complex the legal process really is. If you’ve watched courtroom dramas or seen someone cross-examined on YouTube, you might think, “I can figure this out. I’m smart. I’ll just be honest and logical.”
But representing yourself isn’t about intelligence—it’s about training, strategy, and timing.
Without a lawyer, you’re expected to:
- Know when and how to file motions
- Object properly in court
- Understand local procedures
- Negotiate with prosecutors
- Cross-examine witnesses
- Argue points of law in a persuasive, admissible way
You’re also expected not to mess up, even under stress or pressure. Judges won’t walk you through it. Prosecutors won’t go easy on you. If anything, they’re less lenient when someone goes pro se (that is, self-represented) and makes mistakes.
There are no do-overs if you miss a critical step or say the wrong thing. You’re not just playing with paperwork—you’re playing with your future.
Myth #5: “Public Defenders Are Basically Useless”
Let’s set the record straight: Public defenders are some of the hardest-working attorneys in the legal system. They’re in court every day, they know the local prosecutors and judges, and many of them are incredibly skilled.
But here’s the problem: they’re overworked, underfunded, and stretched thin. It’s not that they can’t defend you—it’s that they may not have the time or resources to do it the way your case truly deserves.
When you’re facing serious charges, you don’t want to be a name on a long list. You want a lawyer who can:
- Sit down with you and go over every detail
- Craft a strategy specific to your case
- Meet deadlines without scrambling
- Investigate, file motions, and negotiate aggressively
If a public defender is your only option, they’re absolutely better than no lawyer. But if you can find a way to hire private counsel, it gives you breathing room, a voice, and a personal advocate fully focused on you.
The Truth: How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Actually Help
So if Google can’t help you—and myths only lead you astray—what’s the right next step after a criminal charge?
Get a lawyer on your side. Not just any lawyer—a criminal defense attorney from Scaringi Law who knows the system inside and out.
Here’s what we’ll actually do for you:
- Analyze your case deeply, not just read the charge.
- Spot legal defenses you never knew were options.
- Challenge the evidence, from how it was collected to how it's being presented.
- Negotiate with prosecutors, which often leads to reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or even dismissal.
- Prepare you for court, so you walk in with clarity, not confusion.
- Protect your rights, especially when others are eager to brush them aside.
Most importantly, we bring calm to chaos. We walk you through what happens next. We give you a real plan. And we help you move forward.
If you or someone you love is facing a criminal charge, don’t risk your future on half-truths and browser tabs. We can guide you with experience, clarity, and real legal protection.
Your future deserves better than guesswork. Reach out to us at (717) 775-7195 or fill out our online form to get started.