What to Do if You Are Accused of A Crime

What to Do if You Are Accused of A Crime

According to the Brennan Center for Justice, despite the negative connotations associated with having a criminal record, about a third of working-age individuals have one. Nearly 40 percent of white guys and almost half of all black males are arrested by the time they are 23.

Even if you are aware of these facts, it won’t make the experience any more manageable if you are arrested or otherwise put on trial. Steps you should do if you find yourself in that situation:

Get in Touch with A Lawyer.

One of three things may happen to you if you are being investigated. As a result, you may be detained without more ado, or you could be cited and scheduled to appear in court. To support their case for making an arrest, the police gather evidence. It would be best if you spoke with an attorney as soon as possible in any event.

“You are feeling frightened and overwhelmed if you have found yourself on the wrong side of things, up against the frightening criminal justice system,” says local law firm LaHood Norton Law Group. “It doesn’t matter if this is your first brush with the police or not; your future is on the line. If you don’t want to risk jeopardizing your future and your freedom, you should seek help from the experts.”

In the Event of An Arrest, Do Not Resist.

Even if you didn’t commit a crime, it’s crucial to comply if you’re arrested. There are severe consequences for anyone who resists arrest, including yourself or the police officers.

Furthermore, it is imperative that you state the truth about your identity, as lying to a police officer is also a felony.

Assert the Right to Keep Quiet

It is not an admission of wrongdoing to hire a lawyer. On the contrary, it is your constitutional right to be defended by a counsel, just as it is your constitutional right not to incriminate yourself. Accordingly, LawInfo advises asking for counsel while staying silent.

According to LawInfo, “do not think that you can talk your way out of anything.” It’s not uncommon for police officers to ask inquiries to gain the information they seek or persuade you to speak half-truths.

Attend All of Your Court Dates

Regardless of whether you were cited and released or arrested, attending court on time is essential. As a result, you will forfeit any bail money and have a warrant issued for arrest issued for your failure to appear in court. This includes an arraignment (the first step in the criminal process), the trial (the second step in the process), and the sentencing (the last step in the process).

Consult With An Attorney if Necessary.

Keeping secrets from your lawyer is counterproductive, as the more information you provide, the better your lawyer will be able to defend you. Confidentiality between attorney and client is a guarantee; thus, whatever information you disclose with your lawyer must be kept private.

According to the American Bar Association, “it applies not only to issues disclosed in secret by the client but also to any information about the representation irrespective of whether the client itself or from another source” is applied.

As a result, such anonymity doesn’t expire even when your case is over.

Even after a client’s death, the ABA mandates that all personal information be kept private throughout and after a lawyer’s representation of the client.

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