You have been arrested and are in the back of the police car. You can’t think, everything is happening so fast. You just wish you could take back the last hour, day or week…You aren’t a bad person, you just made a bad choice, or you didn’t do anything - you were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Does this sound familiar? If you are facing a criminal charge it probably does. The question that you probably were thinking was, “What do I do now?”

What you need to do is protect your rights and your freedom.

Should I answer the officers questions?

It isn’t uncommon to feel a sense of trust in the officer that is later going to ask you questions. Remember though, anything you say will be used against you. The first thing you want to do exercise your right to counsel. You want to talk to a lawyer who can advise you of what is in your best interest. The police officers are representatives for the prosecuting agency. You need a representative for you.

In a lot of cases, the strongest evidence is gained when an individual feels that they can “talk their way out” by talking with the police. You will not beat the police at this, they are highly trained and know how to get you to talk.

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Or, you were released and will just wait until you go to court and try to get the best deal you can from the prosecutor. Again, the prosecutor is not interested in what will help you or what is in your best interest. An unrepresented individual does not know what to look at when they review the evidence. Did the police officer follow the procedures? Did he or she follow the Constitutional limitations placed on them?

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What A Criminal Defense Attorney Does For You.

Some individuals look at a criminal defense attorney with disdain. You shouldn’t, you should look at a criminal defense attorney as the part of the criminal justice system that keeps the system in check. If you have been charged criminally and didn’t commit the crime you are accused of (and it does happen), you want someone there that can zealously represent you and challenge the evidence. Innocent people are sent to jail or prison every day, because they were at the wrong place at the wrong time.

In other circumstances you want to know that the law enforcement officers did their job correctly, there are rules and limitations in place to protect your freedom from government intrusion, a criminal defense attorney makes sure that these rules and limitations aren’t exceeded.

If the officers did everything correctly and the evidence against you is indisputable, then you want a criminal defense attorney to make sure that the punishment fits the crime. Everyone is not in the same situation and you shouldn’t just accept the sentence that you are facing. You may be in a position where it will be a greater hardship on you than it will be on others. A criminal defense attorney does everything they can to make sure that you get the best possible outcome.

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Not Every Attorney Is Qualified.

You wouldn’t hire a foot doctor to perform brain surgery - but they are both doctors. Same goes with attorneys. You want an attorney who is familiar with the courts and focuses their practice in criminal law.

What experience do they have?

Where do they primarily practice?

Have they handled a matter similar to yours?

Most importantly, are you comfortable with the attorney? The most important part of the attorney-client relationship is the relationship. You want to have someone that you can trust and feel comfortable speaking on your behalf.

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In conclusion, don’t try to do it alone. Have you ever heard the phrase “A man who represents himself has a fool for a client”? Most things in the criminal justice system cannot be undone and you need someone with an objective and experienced opinion reviewing you matter.  And when you are ready to hire counsel, don’t be afraid to ask questions - get to know the attorney. This person is going to be representing you and protecting your rights and freedom, you want to be comfortable with them.