Your life can come to a sudden halt when charged with a crime in Gilbert. It doesn’t matter whether you are actually guilty; you have the right to defend yourself. Don’t make the mistake of trusting the public defender with your case because these professionals are overburdened and do not have the required expertise in most situations. You need a Gilbert criminal lawyer who is board certified and experienced enough to be your advocate. In this post, we are sharing five things that criminal lawyers want you to know.
- Don’t speak to the police officer. No matter what the officer tells you, there is no reason to talk. Anything you say at the time of your arrest can be used against you, and they may have videotaped your words. Also, it is not uncommon for law enforcement to misconstrue words. When asked, you can tell your name and give the details or documents that the office wants, but steer clear of a detailed conversation.
- Insist on speaking to a lawyer. Ask the officer that you want to talk to an attorney, which will prevent them from asking further questions. Any statement that you say before that can be evidence. You must remain silent.
- Don’t delay hiring an attorney. It would help if you looking for a criminal lawyer based in Gilbert and available to work on the case immediately. Matters are time-sensitive, and if you don’t act now, you may have more complications.
- Do not lie to the officer. People often assume that they can lie to a police officer and get away with that. However, any untruthful fact could mean more charges, and the court may conclude that you lied to hide your guilt. Instead, talk to a lawyer who will guide you further.
- Don’t agree to a property search. If you were stopped when driving your car and the officer asks you whether they can search your vehicle, do not agree to it. At times, it is impossible to be sure whether your property contains something that can be used against you. If the lawyer didn’t have probable cause to search, the possession charges could be dismissed.
Also, if you are stopped when you are in your vehicle, don’t say that you were at a party. You should not admit to having alcohol. Find a good lawyer in Gilbert now and insist on meeting them in person.
Select your lawyer carefully. Not all criminal defense attorneys are created equal. You want someone who is well-versed in the specific type of law your case involves. This could be anything from DUIs to white-collar crime. Your attorney should also have a strong track record of successful defenses and should be well-regarded within the legal community.
Make sure to keep your lawyer in the loop. The more information your attorney has, the better they can defend you. Therefore, always be completely honest and transparent with your lawyer. Remember, the attorney-client privilege protects your communications with your lawyer, meaning that what you share with them cannot be disclosed without your permission.
Follow your lawyer’s advice. You may not agree with everything your lawyer suggests, but remember that they are the expert and they have your best interests in mind. When in doubt, trust their judgment.
Don’t discuss your case with anyone else. It may be tempting to seek advice or sympathy from friends or family, but discussing the details of your case with anyone other than your lawyer can harm your defense.
Stay off social media. In today’s digital age, anything you post online can be used against you in court. Even seemingly innocent posts can be twisted and taken out of context. It’s best to avoid posting anything until your case is resolved.
Remember, a criminal charge does not necessarily mean a conviction. You have rights, and an experienced Gilbert criminal lawyer can help ensure those rights are protected. Don’t let fear or uncertainty paralyze you into inaction. Your freedom and reputation are at stake. Act swiftly and wisely.