This article shares vital guidance for anyone trying to select the right attorney or navigate false claims in an official report.
⚠️ Disclaimer: We are not lawyers, doctors, or licensed mental health professionals. The information in this article is based on personal experience and is intended for general guidance, education, and empowerment. It is not a substitute for professional legal, medical, or psychological advice. Please consult qualified professionals for support specific to your situation.
Introduction
Unbroken Smile was born out of a nightmare: After calling 911 for help, Brittany Chrishawn was assaulted by police officers, suffering broken teeth, permanent nerve damage, and a false arrest that nearly cost her a decade of freedom. But she fought back — and won.
The Unbroken Smile movement and forthcoming documentary are rooted in resilience, exposure, and transformation. This blog series shares key lessons Brittany learned so others can better navigate — and survive — the justice system.
Choosing the Right Attorney — and Why It Matters
1. Know the Difference Between a Lawyer and an Attorney
A lawyer has a law degree. An attorney is licensed to practice law. Not every lawyer can take your case to court. It’s important to know what type of legal help you’re actually getting.
📚 Tip: Verify their license and make sure they specialize in the area relevant to your case — criminal, civil, appellate, or otherwise.
2. You May Need Multiple Attorneys
Brittany’s case required criminal attorneys, appellate attorneys, and civil rights attorneys — all for the same incident. Most lawyers don’t handle all phases of a legal journey.
🧩 Strategy: Be prepared to hire different lawyers for different phases of your case. Ask what they can and cannot handle up front.
3. Beware of Lawyers Who Work With Your Opponents
Some lawyers are too close to local prosecutors and police. Brittany found that local attorneys in Jacksonville often protected relationships over justice.
🚨 Red Flag: If your lawyer regularly lunches with prosecutors or praises the police while you’re facing charges, reconsider their loyalty.
4. Watch for Manipulation and Misinformation
Some lawyers pressured Brittany to plead guilty or claim mental illness — even when she knew she was innocent. Others lied about what was shown in the body camera footage.
⚠️ Warning: If your lawyer pressures you into a deal you’re uncomfortable with or misrepresents the facts, speak up or walk away.
5. Document Everything
Always get attorney communications in writing. Brittany’s lawyers later claimed she hadn’t requested an appeal — but her emails and texts proved otherwise.
📝 Pro Tip: Follow up every call with a written summary. Keep copies of all legal documents and communications.
6. Out-of-Town Attorneys Can Help — and Hurt
Hiring an attorney from outside your city can help avoid local bias. But it may also create scheduling conflicts and rushed representation.
🌍 Balance: Find out-of-city lawyers with experience who are willing to stay committed for the long haul.
7. Stay Involved in Your Own Case
You can’t afford to be passive. Brittany read laws, tracked deadlines, filed motions, and fought for her appeal when her attorneys dropped the ball.
💪 Empowerment: Learn your deadlines. Study your charges. Don’t assume your attorney will handle everything correctly.
8. Don’t Let Lawyers Control Your Publicity
Some attorneys discouraged Brittany from speaking with national media — which may have limited public awareness and slowed justice.
📢 Reminder: Public attention can help your case. Choose attorneys who respect your right to tell your story.
Final Thoughts
If you’re innocent, do not let fear — or your attorney — push you into a deal before seeing your evidence. Demand your footage. Review the police report for lies. Share the truth. And most of all, never stop fighting for what’s right.
The upcoming Unbroken Smile documentary will show exactly how Brittany proved her innocence and exposed police misconduct — in real time.
👉 Subscribe at UnbrokenSmile.com/subscribe to receive:
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They broke her teeth. But they couldn’t break her smile. Discover more about Brittany Chrishawn at: https://brittanychrishawn.com