What To Do When You Are Charged With A Crime
Regardless of whether or not you are found guilty, your life can turn upside down if you are charged with a crime. You could face months or even years of litigation, and (depending on the gravity of the crime in question) the consequences after disposition of your case could be severe. In order to promote the best possible outcome for your case, it is important to be proactive. Our criminal defense attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to help with this quick overview of the things you should do (and not do) if you are charged with a crime.
Exercise Your Rights
You have probably heard that you have the "right to remain silent," but are you familiar with the full extent of your Miranda Rights? Miranda Law ensures that every alleged criminal has the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to have an attorney in the room with you as you are being questioned. The police often try to get you to provide information as soon as you are taken into custody, but it can be beneficial for you to stand your ground and demand that consult with an attorney before answering any questions. Remember, anything that you say can and will be used against you in the court.
Stop Posting On Social Media
As social media becomes increasingly prevalent in our modern culture, it is also becoming an increasingly common form of evidence in the courtroom. It is imperative that you realize that just as anything you say can be used against you, anything you post can be used against you as well. Since it is impossible to predict how the trial proceedings may go, your best bet will be to avoid posting on social media altogether. However, consult with your attorney before deleting any social media profiles. This type of rash action could be incriminating - and your deleted profiles could likely be recovered.
Do Not Discuss The Case With Anyone Who Could Serve As A Witness
Witnesses serve as incredibly valuable resources during criminal proceedings; however, their testimony can get a bit more complicated if the witnesses are friends, family, acquaintances, or other people you know. If you are seen communicating with a witness, even if it is a close friend or family member, you could be accused of obstruction of justice by allegedly trying to alter their testimony. As a result, your best bet will be to avoid communicating with witnesses altogether if at all possible.
Be Honest
Above all else, it is imperative that you do not lie to your attorney. Lies in the courtroom are often discovered, and the defendant typically suffers much greater consequences for withholding the truth than he would have for simply being honest. While honesty is critical, however, it is still important to exercise your Miranda Rights - remember that you are never obligated to answer any questions or provide any information before consulting with your attorney.
Hire An Attorney
Given how frequently we mention consulting with your lawyer, it makes sense that one of the very first things you should after being charged with a crime is retain a criminal defense attorney in Camden County MO. Your attorney will serve as a valuable resource and guide throughout the entire process, and his/her consultation will likely be invaluable. In order to best set yourself up for success, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our criminal lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks. Our team will be here to help you in any way we can.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising. When you need a knowledgeable attorney, we invite you to contact us to set up a consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available. We have access to interpreters.
Exercise Your Rights
You have probably heard that you have the "right to remain silent," but are you familiar with the full extent of your Miranda Rights? Miranda Law ensures that every alleged criminal has the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to have an attorney in the room with you as you are being questioned. The police often try to get you to provide information as soon as you are taken into custody, but it can be beneficial for you to stand your ground and demand that consult with an attorney before answering any questions. Remember, anything that you say can and will be used against you in the court.
Stop Posting On Social Media
As social media becomes increasingly prevalent in our modern culture, it is also becoming an increasingly common form of evidence in the courtroom. It is imperative that you realize that just as anything you say can be used against you, anything you post can be used against you as well. Since it is impossible to predict how the trial proceedings may go, your best bet will be to avoid posting on social media altogether. However, consult with your attorney before deleting any social media profiles. This type of rash action could be incriminating - and your deleted profiles could likely be recovered.
Witnesses serve as incredibly valuable resources during criminal proceedings; however, their testimony can get a bit more complicated if the witnesses are friends, family, acquaintances, or other people you know. If you are seen communicating with a witness, even if it is a close friend or family member, you could be accused of obstruction of justice by allegedly trying to alter their testimony. As a result, your best bet will be to avoid communicating with witnesses altogether if at all possible.
Be Honest
Above all else, it is imperative that you do not lie to your attorney. Lies in the courtroom are often discovered, and the defendant typically suffers much greater consequences for withholding the truth than he would have for simply being honest. While honesty is critical, however, it is still important to exercise your Miranda Rights - remember that you are never obligated to answer any questions or provide any information before consulting with your attorney.
Hire An Attorney
Given how frequently we mention consulting with your lawyer, it makes sense that one of the very first things you should after being charged with a crime is retain a criminal defense attorney in Camden County MO. Your attorney will serve as a valuable resource and guide throughout the entire process, and his/her consultation will likely be invaluable. In order to best set yourself up for success, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our criminal lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks. Our team will be here to help you in any way we can.
Law Offices of Phillips, McElyea, Carpenter, & Welch, P.C.
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertising. When you need a knowledgeable attorney, we invite you to contact us to set up a consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available. We have access to interpreters.
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
85 Court Circle N.W., P.O. Box 559
Camdenton, MO 65020 GET A MAP
(573) 346-7231 - Telephone
(888) 236-2485 - Toll Free
(573) 346-4411 - Fax
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