There are certain things you should not be doing when you are being investigated for a crime or if you have been charged with a crime in Wetumpka, AL.
If you are facing criminal charges in Wetumpka, you might be concerned about your future, and rightly so. If convicted, you might not only have to pay exorbitant fines but also have to serve time in jail or prison depending on the severity of the charges you are facing. Not to mention the fact that being convicted of a crime – violent, sexual, or drug-related crimes in particular – can damage your reputation and affect your personal as well as professional life.
At Alsobrook Law Group, we believe that everyone, regardless of their background or the criminal charges they are facing, has the right to due process and fair legal representation. Our criminal defense lawyers have a deep understanding of state and federal laws and have a long track record of successfully defending individuals facing misdemeanor as well as felony charges. Contact us today to discuss your case with an experienced Wetumpka, AL criminal defense lawyer.
While the effectiveness of legal defenses depends on the specific circumstances of each case, here are some common legal defenses our criminal defense attorneys will use to try and get your charges dismissed or reduced:
There are certain things you should not be doing when you are being investigated for a crime or if you have been charged with a crime in Wetumpka, AL.
While there is no doubt that facing criminal charges can be an extremely distressing experience, you should not panic over it, as it can only make things worse. Remember, criminal charges might not necessarily lead to a conviction. Moreover, you are not required to prove your innocence. The onus is on the prosecution to prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a high bar to meet in criminal cases. So, do not panic and call a Wetumpka criminal defense attorney as soon as you can.
If you are arrested, the only thing you should tell the arresting officer is that you want to invoke your right to remain silent. Apart from confirming your identity, you are not legally required to answer any questions or divulge any other information to the arresting officer. Use it to your advantage and remain silent until you get legal representation.
Arguing with the police officer or resisting arrest is never a good idea – regardless of the circumstances. Even if you are innocent and the arrest is unlawful, you should comply with the arrest and avoid doing anything that can escalate the situation.
If you confront the officer or physically resist, you will be charged with resisting arrest, which is a Class B misdemeanor. More importantly, the officer might decide to use force against you, which can lead to catastrophic consequences.
In the event of an unlawful or wrongful arrest, your best option is to remain silent, comply with the arrest, and then challenge the arrest in court. You might also be able to file a civil suit against the police department and recover compensatory and punitive damages – depending on the circumstances.
If the police ask for your consent to search your vehicle or home, tell them politely but firmly that you do not consent to a search. Except under extenuating circumstances, the police cannot conduct a search without a court order.
Do not attempt to hide or destroy any evidence that you think might be used against you. If you do, you might face additional charges, which can make your criminal defense attorney’s job a lot harder.
There is only one person with whom you can discuss your case – your lawyer. Do not say anything or share any information with anyone else – including your family members, friends, and coworkers.
Do not try to talk to the alleged victim even if you are completely innocent and the charges against you are exaggerated or downright false. Remember, a criminal case is pursued by the state. A victim cannot do anything to stop the proceedings. More importantly, you can be charged with obstruction of justice and possibly other offenses for trying to talk to the victim.
When you are facing criminal charges, your criminal defense lawyer is the only person who can help you. More importantly, they are the only person who is legally required to act in your best interests. It’s why you should be brutally honest with your lawyer.
Do not hide, exaggerate, underplay, or omit any information related to your case – no matter how trivial or useless you think it is. The more details you share with your lawyer, the easier it would be for them to build a strong defense. Also, make sure you talk to law enforcement officials only when you are accompanied by your lawyer.
The consequences of a criminal conviction in Alabama can be life-altering. Your best chance to avoid the harsh consequences of a conviction is to get legal representation as soon as you can.
The criminal defense attorneys at Alsobrook Law Group have extensive experience defending individuals facing state as well as federal crime charges. We deeply care about our clients and fight as hard as possible to achieve the best possible outcome in every case we take on.
If you are facing criminal charges, call us today at 334-360-9534 or get in touch with us online to talk to one of our reputable Wetumpka, AL criminal defense attorneys.
Zachary D. Alsobrook is a partner in the Opelika law firm of Alsobrook Law Group, where he concentrates his practice in the areas of criminal defense and DUI; divorce, child custody…
The Alsobrook Law Firm is located in Opelika, AL and serves clients in and around Opelika, Loachapoka, Auburn, Salem, Waverly, Cusseta, Smiths, Barbour County, Bullock County, Calhoun County, Chambers County, Clay County, Cleburne County, Coosa County, Dale County, Elmore County, Henry County, Lee County, Macon County, Montgomery County, Pike County, Randolph County, Russell County, Talladega County and Tallapoosa County.
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