Criminal Investigation
When is the best time to hire a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney? Is it at the moment of your arrest or when you’re in the middle of a police investigation? How about contacting an attorney once you’ve gotten out on bail? The truth is that the best time to hire a California defense attorney is probably before any of these things happen. The moment you suspect that you are the subject of a criminal investigation, you need to contact an attorney.
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer early in the proceedings may give you several significant advantages. Your attorney can ask law enforcement personnel and the prosecutor’s office to talk to them about the case. These officials don’t necessarily have to discuss an ongoing investigation with a defense attorney, but sometimes they are willing to disclose certain details that may be helpful for you to know. Additionally, if you get arrested, your attorney will be ready to hit the ground running. With your attorney’s assistance you may be able to surrender yourself at the police station instead of being taken at work or from your home, which can cause embarrassment. Your attorney can help arrange bail and take care of various other tasks that can minimize your ordeal. Best of all, a good Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer may be able to prevent charges from ever being filed against you.
Exercising Your Rights
Every law enforcement agency in the state has hundreds of criminal investigations going on at any given time. Accordingly, it may take weeks or months for them to get around to a case that you may be involved in. It’s important to remember that just because time is passing doesn’t mean that the police have given up or forgotten about your case. Depending upon the crime, they may have years before the statute of limitations runs its course. Don’t let a delay lull you into a sense of complacency. It may only be a matter of time before the police are knocking on your door. You need to be prepared for that moment by hiring an attorney during the criminal investigation stage.
People tend to make many mistakes when they are arrested or are being interviewed by police. It’s important to keep in mind that members of law enforcement undergo extensive interrogation training. Many of them are adept at coming across as sympathetic and helpful. They may provide reassurances regarding how they’ll get the District Attorney to “go easy on you” if you’ll tell them what you know. Others may make threats, use scare tactics or do nearly anything to make you feel isolated and powerless. Always remember that you don’t have to put up with any of this. You have rights, and your criminal defense attorney will make certain that you understand them.
Remaining Silent
One of the most important rights you have is protected by the Constitution. This is the right to remain silent, and it is not exercised enough by people who are under criminal investigation in California. This is true whether you believe you are innocent or guilty. The police can and will twist everything you say to make it suit their purposes. They have no problem allowing you to incriminate yourself, and they will misquote you or use your words out of context if it means they can charge you.
That’s why you should never speak to the police without having an attorney present. Even if the police insist that it will be just an informal interview, let them know that you won’t be discussing anything with them unless your attorney is present. A casual interview with the police often turns into a hard-nosed interrogation, and you will nearly always be the loser in these encounters.
Don’t Feel Intimidated
People sometimes feel that they are somehow obligated or legally required to answer questions asked by a police officer. While you do not have the right to obstruct a criminal investigation you most certainly have the right to insist on receiving the protections that are guaranteed to you by the Constitution. You are not guilty of obstruction if you request an attorney and then remain silent. Don’t let the police intimidate you into speaking when it is far wiser not to. If you talk to anyone, talk to an experienced Los Angeles criminal investigation attorney.
Advising Clients of Their Rights
One of the first things that a California criminal investigation attorney does is make certain that their client understands their rights. In addition to remaining silent, all Americans also have the right to an attorney. Moreover, your rights include:
-a speedy trial;
-a trial by a jury of your peers;
-the confrontation of witnesses;
-being able to testify in your defense.
Once you understand your rights, you are far less likely to do anything that might incriminate you. Plus, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that you have an attorney who is prepared to fight for you.
Hiring a California criminal Investigation Attorney
Don’t hesitate to set up a consultation with a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney if you believe you are being investigated by the police. Rest assured that law enforcement and the District Attorney’s office understand the law very well, and you need someone on your side who knows the law just as well if not better.
Contact the experienced Los Angeles criminal investigation lawyers at this firm today.