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If you think that you are about to be arrested and charged with a crime, one of the most important things that you can do is connect with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to develop a plan. Walking around a free person while waiting for charges to be filed against you causes paranoia, anxiety, and undue harm to the rest of your family. But, when you have a lawyer working with you, they will help you make sense of the situation and determine the most appropriate course of action. In some cases, this may be turning yourself in, while in others, it may be to wait quietly until a warrant is issued for your arrest.
Remember: the most important thing to do in this situation is to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you and the potential consequences of those charges. An attorney can also help you protect your rights and prepare a strong defense. If you are arrested, an attorney can help you navigate the criminal justice system and ensure that you are treated fairly.
After being arrested, you can contact a law firm like Weber Law and inform them of the situation. An attorney will connect with you as soon as possible. Even better is to contact the law firm before the arrest to get on the same page as your lawyer.
Read More: How to Find a Best Criminal Appeals Lawyer in Orlando Florida
Questioning
If you are contacted by law enforcement for questioning, it is important to remain calm and polite. Hopefully, at this point, you are partnered with an attorney who has prepared you for this situation, but if not, you have the right to request a lawyer before answering any questions, even before you have been formally charged. Even in this early stage, it is absolutely essential that you take every step to protect your self-interests.
Arrest
If you are arrested, do not resist arrest or say anything that could be used against you in court. Remember that when they say “anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law,” they truly mean that anything you say will be used against you. Ask to speak to an attorney before answering any questions. Request to speak to an attorney as soon as possible upon your arrest, and politely decline to answer any questions without your attorney present.
Charges and Arraignment
If you are charged with a crime, you will have the opportunity to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty at your arraignment. If you plead guilty, you will be convicted of the crime and may face jail time, fines, or other penalties. If you plead not guilty, your case will proceed to trial, where the prosecutor will have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime. Your lawyer will also be able to determine the terms of your bail and discuss the situation with the prosecutor to see if any alternatives are available.
Read More: What is the most common type of criminal defense?
Trial
During the trial, your attorney will have the opportunity to present a defense and question witnesses while trying to tell your side of the story. If you are found guilty, you will be sentenced by the judge, who will use sentencing guidelines and their instincts about the case to determine what punishment is appropriate. In some cases, you may be able to appeal your conviction if there are errors in the trial process.
Never Forget: Lawyer Up ASAP
No matter what stage of the criminal justice process you are in, it is important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side. An attorney can help protect your rights and ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the process. If you are facing charges or think you may be arrested, contact an attorney as soon as possible — it could change the entire trajectory of your case from the start.