Imagine you have felony charges! What will that mean for you?
How should you behave?
What are you supposed to do when the police are throwing questions at you, like you have to prove that you are innocent? Should you do whatever to escape police custody?
Nope!
If you are facing felony charges, your decisions and actions in the early days will greatly influence what happens next.
The Fifth Amendment Will Protect You for Now (If You Allow It)
Here’s the first rule: aside from providing your identity, do not answer any questions. It does not matter how friendly or, yes, how intimidating investigators may be: you must not speak!
It is the first step in avoiding self-incrimination and your Constitutional right under the Fifth Amendment. Then, politely ask for a lawyer, shut up, and wait, knowing your lawyer is on your side.
It certainly won’t be easy, especially if you feel innocent and up against authority figures. Were you wrongfully arrested?
Was the excessive force used? Maybe.
But getting to the bottom of it will require the skills of a skilled criminal defense attorney, so abandon any impulse to explain yourself or to accuse officers of wrongdoing. You can’t take matters into your own hands; doing so just gets you in trouble.
Call A Top Criminal Attorney
It’s critical to get experienced legal support at your side as soon as possible – and by that, we mean a high-powered criminal defense attorney, not your neighbor’s tax guy.
A skilled defense attorney will know what to expect from officers and will guard you against the synaptic pitfalls and missteps that could land you in trouble. Note: prosecutors and police are colluding to imprison you. A criminal defense attorney is working for you.
Tell Your Attorney the Truth
Your lawyer must understand the facts. Few frustrations are knocked out faster than being blindsided by new evidence the prosecution tosses into a defense attorney’s lap.
When you reveal everything, you help your defense – knowing that attorney-client privilege protects that conversation from being disclosed. It is the best means of constructing a strong defense.
Zip Your Lips Otherwise
Cooperate with your lawyer as your lawyer defends you in court, but don’t talk at any other time.
You might feel tempted but do not discuss your case online with reporters who may be interested in hearing what you say about the subject or even with family or friends.
What happens in these places is not protected, so you don’t want to give anyone a chance to take the events out of context and for the prosecution to find out.
The Repercussions are Great
A felony conviction could earn you a stint in prison and hefty fines. But punishment does not conclude when you have paid this debt to society. Ultimately, you will return to a society with no searing stake in your success in finding a home, a job, professional certifications, and happiness. It will be a hard row to hoe. But keep all of this in mind and be smart going forward.
We Fight for You
Do not hesitate to call Attorney Anthony Griego, a former New Mexico Assistant District Attorney.
We always strive for favorable client results at the Law Office of Anthony Griego LLC. Contact us today for a confidential consultation about your case.
