What Should You Do If You Are Being Investigated?

The most important thing to remember when you are arrested is that, as you have probably heard many times before, you have the right to remain silent. There are many tactics that the police might use in order to try to get you to talk. They can threaten you and make it seem as though you will get in more trouble if you don’t talk.

They might try to cause you to relax by acting friendly or joking around with you. They might make it seem like you will be fine as long as you explain yourself. These are all tactics that the police are trained to use against you. Don’t fall for them. The only thing that you should say in response is to politely but firmly say that you want a lawyer.

If you have been arrested, you should contact a criminal lawyer as soon as possible. This helps to prevent you from making statements that could be used against you. Since witnesses have a better memory of the event early on, this is another reason that getting a lawyer involved early on can work to your advantage. In addition, if you believe that you are under investigation by the police, it is a good idea to hire a lawyer as soon as possible. They may be able to prevent charges from every being filed in the first place.

Once you have been arrested, you are then booked. This is when they take your picture and fingerprints. They might ask you to make a statement. You should decline to do so. Afterward, a magistrate will decide whether to offer a bond. If they do, you can be released until trial if the bond is paid. The price of the bond will depend on the nature of the crime. For example, sex offenses will have a much higher bond than a crime that requires a DWI attorney.

The next court date that you receive is called an arraignment. This is when you are read your charges and asked if you want an attorney. You should always ask for an attorney. This is when you will be assigned your next court date. If you get the chance, you should apply for an attorney before your arraignment.

The evidence that is obtained by prosecutors is referred to as discovery. There are certain types of evidence that the prosecutors are required to provide to you before trial. The type of evidence will depend on your location, but only a lawyer knows what to ask for and how to find evidence that the prosecutor may try to hide.

In many cases, it may be possible to come to a settlement before trial. If not, the trial proceeds with a verdict being issued by the judge or the jury that you are either guilty or not guilty. The judge will then decide your sentence.