Help! I’ve Just Been Charged with a Felony!
If you’ve been charged with a crime and arrested, you are no doubt feeling alarmed. What’s next for you? Should you cooperate with police to demonstrate your innocence? Should you do whatever it takes to get out of custody? No and no! If you are facing felony charges, your first steps have a monumental effect on your case. So sit tight and remember your rights!
Remember This
First of all, it is imperative that you remain silent. It is your Fifth Amendment right, and is the first step toward avoiding self-incrimination. It doesn’t matter how friendly or how threatening investigators may be, this rule is the number one thing to stick to. Answer no questions outside of identifying yourself. Then politely request an attorney and zip your lips and stay calm. This may not be easy, especially if you believe you are innocent and you are being pressured by authorities. Were you wrongfully arrested? Maybe. But it will take an attorney to get to the bottom of it, so avoid the temptation to defend yourself or accuse officers of impropriety. It won’t get you anywhere except in deeper trouble.
Call an Attorney Right Away
It’s crucial that you have effective legal counsel by your side immediately. And that means an experienced criminal defense attorney, not your cousin’s tax law guy. Your defense attorney will know all the tricks in the book and will protect you from signing a bogus plea deal or saying things that will lead to trouble. Remember: prosecutors and police are working to lock you up. A criminal defense attorney shares your goals.
Understand the Charges
If you are looking at a felony, you could be facing prison time and significant fines. After you’ve paid your debt to society, you could re-enter a world that has no interest in your success in finding a job, a home, professional certifications, or happiness. It’s serious business, and knowing the severity of your situation is crucial to making smart decisions going forward.
Tell Your Attorney the Truth
Defense attorneys will tell you there’s nothing worse than being blindsided by facts the prosecution presents. You help your own defense when you spill it all, with the understanding that attorney-client privilege keeps that information sacred. It’s really the best way to build a strong defense.
Stay Mum Otherwise
It may be difficult, but don’t discuss the case with family or friends, on social media, or with reporters who want to know what you have to say for yourself. Your defense should be fought for by your attorney, not by you and your friends. And remember, what you say to friends is not protected—so if you give anyone the wrong idea, the prosecution could get a hold of it.
Fighting for You
At Lobo Law, our aggressive Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys always fight for the best possible outcomes for our clients. To discuss your case, schedule a confidential consultation today.
