When you have been arrested, it can be extremely overwhelming and scary. You may have absolutely no idea what to do next. But here are four things that you should not do.
1. Discuss the Case
When you are so upset and emotional after an arrest, you may wish more than anything that someone else can validate your feelings and your experience. However, it’s never a good idea to discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney. Do not speak with friends, family, other inmates, or even the police regarding your case. While someone may seem trustworthy, you must always remember that anything you say can be used against you. It’s especially important that you do not discuss your case on social media. Anything that is put onto the Internet will stay there indefinitely.
2. Forgo Legal Assistance
You may be sick and tired of paying your way out of a bad situation. Maybe you had to make bail or are unable to work because you are sitting in a jail cell. The last thing you likely feel like doing is having to shell out more money for an attorney. However, this is one of the most efficient and important investments that you can make. A qualified criminal defense attorney will explain to you what you should and should not say and do and will provide you with steps to take throughout the process. The sooner you seek legal assistance, the lower your risk of making a compromising mistake will be.
3. Get into More Legal Issues
While it may sound like common sense, it’s still important to note that once you have been arrested, you should avoid doing anything else that could find you in more legal trouble. It’s important that you avoid doing anything that leads to a very quiet, normal life until your trial date. Your attorney will inform you of anything you need to know.
4. Be Anything Other Than Totally Honest with Your Attorney
The job of a criminal defense attorney is to help establish a strategy for reducing or dropping the charges against you. However, they are unable to provide you with the best legal representation if you are anything other than totally honest and upfront with them. It’s important to remember that the job of your attorney is to support – not judge – you. Additionally, if you provide false information or fail to include important details of what transpired, you could end up in further legal trouble once the truth comes out.
The Suffolk County Criminal Defense Attorneys at Macedonio & Duncan, LLP Can Help
If you or a loved one has been accused of a crime, it can have many serious consequences. When you are already dealing with so much, the last thing that you want to do is to have to worry about tackling the legalities of your situation.
The Suffolk County criminal defense attorneys at Macedonio & Duncan, LLP can help you to fight your criminal charges. We understand the physical, mental, emotional, and financial hardships that can transpire as a result of a criminal charge. That’s why we will help you to gather the necessary evidence and build a case for the most optimal outcome. To learn more or to schedule a confidential consultation, contact us today!
