You have rights even if you have been charged with a serious crime. You must react to the charges quickly in order to protect yourself and to prevent the situation from escalating. You should know what to do if you have been charged with a serious crime.
Stay Away From Places and People Associated With the Crime
You need to stay away from all the places and people associated with the crime you are charged with. Do not go to places where you supposedly did something wrong or where accusers or witnesses are located. Do not try to contact or talk to the people involved with the case. You want to stay away even if it is inconvenient.
Do Not Discuss Your Case
It is important to never discuss your case with prosecutors, police or friends. You could say something innocent that will be twisted until it becomes an incriminating statement. You do not have to talk about the events surrounding the crime. Stay silent and do not even write down anything about the case, even if you think it will assist a lawyer.
Preserve Any Evidence of Your Innocence
If you have any evidence that shows your innocence, then gather it up and preserve it. Put it in a safe place where it cannot be lost or stolen. This type of evidence could be documents, receipts or even text and picture messages.
Do Not Agree To Testing or Actions
Police or prosecutors might approach you with an offer to take a test that will prove your innocence such as a DNA test. Never agree to testing, plea deals or other actions. Decline them every time until you are represented by legal counsel.
Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately
You should contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately when charged with a serious crime. You can request to talk to your lawyer if you are in jail or in police custody. A lawyer will come to your defense and protect your rights through the entire process. Talking to a criminal defense lawyer in Atlanta is critical when you are facing criminal charges.
Avoid Illegal or Questionable Behaviors
A final step is to avoid illegal or questionable behaviors. The police or investigators might be watching you, looking for anything suspicious. You generally want to avoid doing things like drinking alcohol or other actions that could be used against you later.
Do not try to face criminal charges alone. This is a mistake police and prosecutors will exploit to win a conviction. The best course of action is to demand a lawyer and then stay silent until your attorney arrives and speaks with you.
This article is courtesy of Anita Ginsburg, a freelance writer from Denver who often writes about home, family, law and business. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family when she isn’t writing.
