What You Need To Know
Q: When Should You Contact An Attorney?
A: Immediately! Time is of the essence.
If you are arrested or under investigation for an offense, you should contact a California criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Even if you are innocent of the charges against you or your case is still under investigation, you need competent legal representation to protect your rights.
Q: Why You Need An Attorney?
A: Only an experienced defense attorney can evaluate your case and determine the likelihood of success at trial or, in the alternative, negotiate a favorable plea-bargain.
Before charges are actually filed against you, your attorney, with the help of private investigators, may be able to provide evidence to the prosecutor or police agency that may persuade them not to file charges against you. Early planning gives your attorney more time to conduct a thorough investigation and preserve any evidence in your favor as early as possible.
After charges have been filed against you, your Los Angeles criminal lawyer will evaluate whether it is in your best interest to proceed to trial. Your attorney will develop the best strategy to build a winning defense. However, if a trial is not in your best interest, your attorney will then negotiate a favorable plea bargain.
Q: Should You Talk To The Police?
A: Absolutely not! Make no statement and sign nothing!
If the police are investigating you, you may or may not be aware of it. At some point, they may ask you to come into the station and give a statement. You may believe this is your chance to tell your side of the story. Don't do it! Be aware, this is a very dangerous time for anyone charged or under investigation for an offense. Do not allow the police to scare or intimidate you into answering their questions. Some police officers will do or promise almost anything in an attempt to coerce or trick you into giving a statement.
Instead of talking to the police, you should consult with a criminal defense attorney immediately. Your attorney will intercede on your behalf and talk to the detectives for you. This is a great way to provide valuable information regarding your innocence and may result in charges not being filed against you. More importantly, doing so will keep you from giving a statement that will undoubtedly be used against you. Know this, the police are not there to clear you of the charges. The police are there to gather as much evidence as they can to make a case against you that will eventually lead to a conviction. Any statement you make will ultimately be used by the prosecution at trial. Even statements made by you that you believe to be innocent can be damaging.
Remember, it is your absolute right to say nothing. Exercise it!
