Do You Need to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

If you get arrested, whether or not you have actually committed a crime, the smartest thing you can do is refuse to talk until you can speak with a criminal defense lawyer. Say nothing other than that you want to speak to your attorney, or a court-appointed attorney, and repeat this until your request is met. You are entitled to speak to a lawyer under the Constitution, and you do not have to answer any questions posed to you by law enforcement according to the same document.

When to Call a Criminal Defense Lawyer

When do you need the services of a criminal defense lawyer? There are a number of reasons why you may need these services, even if you are perfectly law-abiding. A criminal defense attorney can help you and represent you should you be connected to a person who has committed a crime or a person who has gone missing or been murdered. In these cases, the police may wish to interrogate you.

Even if you are innocent and have no knowledge of the matters of interest to the police, a criminal defense lawyer can provide professional assistance to guide you through the process. In such situations, it's good to have someone on your side with knowledge of the law and of the procedures, you're about to face. They can advise you on what's going to happen and what your involvement is likely to be moving forward.

What to Tell a Felony Lawyer

You may wish to hire a criminal defense lawyer if you have committed a crime, whether it was accidental, self-defense, or premeditated. According to the ethics that bind lawyers, anything you say to your lawyer is always between you and your lawyer. It's called the attorney-client privilege, and a criminal defense lawyer will not break these bonds even if you adit to multiple felonies. Remember that criminal defense lawyers will not pass judgment on you and will not change how they will defend you whether you are guilty of the charges against you or not.

In fact, it is better to tell the whole truth to your criminal defense lawyer, whether you have committed a crime that may bring you gun charges, assault, or any other felony crime. Felony lawyers have already heard it all. The more information you give your lawyer, the better they will be able to help you.

When You've Been Arrested

You may not always have the opportunity to call a criminal defense lawyer. If you get arrested, keep calm. There is a specific procedure that law enforcement will follow if they apprehend you for committing a crime, suspicion of a crime, or interrogation. You will be read your Miranda Rights upon arrest. This is the well-known speech often depicted in TV and movies where the police tell you that you have the right to remain silent and you have the right to an attorney, among other things. You always have the right to a criminal defense lawyer. Say nothing until you speak with this person. If you say anything at all, simply repeat your request to use the services of a criminal defense lawyer.