Criminal Defense Attorney – When to Call One

Sep 14
08:00

2011

Abraham Avotina

Abraham Avotina

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Knowing when to call a criminal defense attorney can make all of the difference if you are accused of a crime. These tips will keep you from making a mistake when talking to the police.

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If you are being accused of a crime or fear that you will be accused of one in the near future,Criminal Defense Attorney – When to Call One Articles you may be wondering when you should call a criminal defense attorney. Waiting too long to seek legal help can be devastating in these cases. Knowing when to call a lawyer can help keep you from incriminating yourself if you are in danger of being found guilty.

As Soon As You Are Taken Into Custody

If you are taken into custody, you need to call a lawyer, and you need to do so before you talk to the police. Cooperating with the police without a lawyer’s help is not going to get you a lighter sentence or help you avoid penalties. There may be times when your cooperation could work in this way, but it is always best to have a lawyer helping you with the negotiations. 

Remember, police are experienced at interrogations and know how to encourage you to say something that could incriminate you, even if you are not guilty of what they feel you are guilty of doing. For this reason, you need to have the help of an experienced legal team from the moment you are taken into custody. No matter what, you have the right to remain silent, so you should until you have a lawyer with you.

When the police contact you, do not answer any questions other than what your name is. If they want to know more, be positive and explain that you are happy to cooperate, but only after you speak to your lawyer. Then, do not be persuaded by anything they do, say, or ask. You have the right to talk to a lawyer, and you need to do so. 

When You Think You Might Be in Trouble

If you found yourself mixed up in a situation where you think you could be in trouble, it never hurts to call a criminal defense attorney. Remember, having a lawyer does not mean you are guilty, and anything you tell your lawyer is protected under lawyer/client privileges. This means that you can tell them everything that happened, allowing them to start building a case for you, and the information you provide cannot be brought out in court to incriminate you. 

When Charges Are Filed

You may not be taken into custody when charges are filed, depending on the severity of your crime, but this is a good time to call a lawyer. Again, anything you say to anyone throughout the time you are facing charges can, and probably will, be used against you in court. Even if you are confiding in a close friend, that information could be brought out under oath, when your friend is obligated to tell you what is going on. 

After Your Release

If you have managed to be arrested and let go without actually going to jail and before you have found a lawyer, you are in a good spot to find a criminal defense attorney. This gives you a little time to shop around and find a good one who will represent you well. Charges are likely going to come at a later date, so you want to be well represented when they do.