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Top 4 Mistakes to Avoid if Arrested


Most people don’t know what to expect when they are questioned by the police or arrested. They frequently make mistakes that hurt their case, even if they have done nothing wrong. You need to be prepared to avoid making these common mistakes:

Mistake # 1: Making admissions to the police without a lawyer

You have been arrested. You know you are in trouble. Officers will encourage you to talk about the incident, assuring you that everything will be easier for you if you just come clean and admit that you did it. It is always a mistake to admit anything because doing so only makes it easier for the police. The police are allowed to mislead a suspect during an interrogation, so you must presume that they are not telling you the truth. Anything you admit will be used against you and will hurt or even cripple your defense when you are charged with a crime.

Mistake # 2: Making explanations to the police without a lawyer

You think the police are making a horrible mistake. You believe that if you just can explain the situation to the police, they will realize that they are wrong in arresting you and will let you go. This never happens. The police already consider you to be guilty when they arrest you. They are making an arrest based on information that they already believe is reliable. They will discount your explanations as excuses. When you provide an explanation, their records of your statements are frequently incomplete and inaccurate. Therefore, it will be more difficult to present your explanation to a jury because the prosecutor will use your prior incorrectly recorded statements to attack your credibility to the jury. It is always safer to remain silent until you have the assistance of an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

Mistake # 3: Waiting to hire a lawyer

If you have been arrested, you need to hire a lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner a lawyer is on the case, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. Success at trial and good plea deals happen because an attorney prepared well and thoroughly. If you wait to get an attorney, you are crippling your defense.

Mistake # 4: Admitting guilt to other parties

From the moment that an arrest is made, you should assume that anything being said will be heard and recorded. Speaking with friends or family over the phone or even talking with other individuals in your jail cell could seriously harm your case. You should also not post anything on social media. You should disable these accounts until your case is completely over. Prosecutors search for posts, tweets and updates that they can use against you.

Do not get stuck on the side of the courtroom with the wrong lawyer. Hire our experienced and respected attorneys today.

Filed to Ask a Lawyer, Criminal Defense

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