When Do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Posted on June 23rd, 2017 by Oddo & Babat, P.C.
Were you contacted by the police or a government agency? If so, you might be wondering if it’s necessary to hire a lawyer or not. The police or other government authorities don’t always want to people because they’re suspects. They may simply want to talk to them to learn more information about a particular case. So how do you know when it’s in your best interest to hire a lawyer? Keep the following tidbits of information in mind.
The Police or a Government Agency Wants to Question You
If the police or a government agency come to your home or place of work, they might just have some questions for you. However, even if you are not under arrest, you should answer questions with caution.The authorities have been known to lie to people and ask them illegal questions to get information. If something doesn’t feel right, you can tell them that you don’t want to answer questions without an attorney present. A criminal attorney can help protect your rights and prevent you from telling the authorities self-incriminating information.
Did the Police Charge You With a Crime?
The police normally must release you in 24 to 72 hours if they haven’t charged you with a crime. It still may be beneficial to consult with a criminal attorney, even if you haven’t been formally charged. He or she may be able to get your released before the 72 hours is up.
You Have a Court Appearance
If you have to go to court, be sure to hire legal representation. Representing yourself is never a good idea. You might not understand the law fully and won’t be able to remain objective. An experienced criminal lawyer can prepare you for your court date and help everything run more smoothly.
Hire a Criminal Lawyer Today
If you believe you need to hire a criminal lawyer, schedule a consultation with one today. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the sooner you can put all of this behind you. Many criminal lawyers offer free initial consultations, so you have nothing to lose by speaking to one. During your consultation, you can discuss details about your case and obtain valuable advice. Be completely honest with your lawyer and include every little detail. A good criminal lawyer won’t judge you and will try hard to help you get the best outcome possible.
I consulted with David the first time a couple of years ago on a serious matter that affected a very close member of my family. Not expecting a good experience from this serious situation coupled with an attorney consultation, the entire thing surprised me as it was pleasant, professional, and completely successful. We found him clear, direct, generous and extremely knowledgeable throughout the process. I give my very strongest recommendation
