What Should I Do After Being Charged With a Crime? Being charged with a crime is obviously nerve-racking, but by taking the appropriate steps and hiring the right criminal defense attorney, you can mitigate the effects that the charges have on your life, have the charges dropped, or even gain an acquittal at trial. The actions you take immediately after being charged can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Stay calm, follow a clear set of steps, and you’ll be able to protect your rights and build a strong defense. If there’s a warrant out for your arrest, contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately for help in turning yourself in. Otherwise, keep reading to find out what to do for the best possible resolution to your case.
If you’ve been charged with a crime or arrested, call Combs Waterkotte at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation. We’ve successfully handled over 10,000 cases just like yours.
What to Do After Being Charged With a Crime
1. Stay Calm and Stay Silent
The first thing you should do when arrested or charged is… almost nothing. You’ve likely heard the Miranda warning, which includes your right to remain silent. That is a fundamental right that everyone should exercise when charged or arrested for a crime. Only discuss your case with your attorney, and have your attorney present at all interactions with law enforcement.
The less you say, the less evidence there is that can be misconstrued or used against you. Politely but firmly inform law enforcement that you wish to exercise your right to remain silent until you have consulted with an attorney. Even something as benign as saying, “I stopped to get some gas,” could tie you to the crime scene if there was a crime committed at the gas station.
2. Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
After being charged with a crime and exercising your right to remain silent, your next step should be to contact a skilled criminal defense attorney immediately. The legal system is complex, and navigating it without professional guidance can lead to severe consequences. An experienced attorney will protect your rights, provide you with a clear understanding of the charges against you, and develop a strategic defense tailored to your case.
When choosing an attorney, look for someone with a proven track record in handling cases similar to yours. At Combs Waterkotte, we have extensive experience in defending clients against a wide range of criminal charges in Missouri. We understand the local legal landscape, know law enforcement and prosecutors all over the state, and are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for our clients.
Importantly, you must explicitly state to law enforcement that you are invoking both your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. Simply staying silent may not be enough, so it’s important to say something like, “I am invoking my right to remain silent.” Likewise, to request legal representation, you should clearly state, “I want to speak with a lawyer.” Once you’ve invoked these rights, law enforcement is legally required to stop questioning you until your attorney is present.
3. Document Everything
As soon as possible, write down everything you remember about the alleged crime (if you know anything about it), events leading up to your arrest, and events following your arrest. Include details such as the timeline of events, an alibi if you have one, the behavior of law enforcement officers, and any statements made by you or others involved. This information can be critical in challenging the prosecution’s case and identifying inconsistencies or violations of your rights.
Keep all related documents, such as arrest records, bail papers, and any correspondence, organized and readily available for your attorney. Your phone may be seized when you’re arrested, so it’s important to back up any supporting evidence (text messages, photos, etc…) on a thumb drive or on a cloud (such as email).
4. Follow Legal Advice
One of the main reasons to hire a defense attorney is so you can follow their advice. Your attorney has the expertise to guide you through this challenging time, and their advice is based on protecting your best interests (that’s not a selling point; attorneys are legally required to act in the best interest of their clients). Avoid making any decisions related to your case without consulting your attorney first. This includes speaking with law enforcement, entering pleas, or discussing your case with others.
5. Be Honest With Your Attorney
Transparency is also crucial in your relationship with your attorney. Provide them with all the facts, even if you think they may be harmful to your case. Your attorney can only protect you effectively if they have all the necessary information.
When you hire an attorney you have attorney-client privilege, which means that anything you say to them must remain private, unless what you told them them provides information about an ongoing crime.
6. Attend All Court Dates
Attending all scheduled court appearances is not only a legal requirement but also a critical part of demonstrating your commitment to resolving your case responsibly. Judges look favorably on people who respect the court’s time. Missing a court date can lead to additional charges, such as failure to appear, and may result in a warrant for your arrest. If you’re out on bail, the court may rescind that and require you to stay in jail until your case is resolved.
To prepare for court, dress appropriately, arrive early, and follow courtroom etiquette. Your attorney will brief you on what to expect and how to conduct yourself during the proceedings. Stay calm, and be careful not to show any strong emotional reactions to what’s presented in court.
7. Avoid Public Discussions and Social Media
It’s easy to forget that what you say online can be just as impactful as what you say in person. Avoid discussing your case publicly or on social media. Even seemingly innocent comments can be taken out of context and used against you by the prosecution.
Even if you set your social media to private, law enforcement can subpoena the records and see what you posted or messaged anyway. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your online presence during an ongoing legal case.
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What Should I Do After Being Charged With a Crime? Call Combs Waterkotte.
Being charged with any crime is a serious matter, but by taking the right steps, you can protect your rights and work towards a favorable outcome. At Combs Waterkotte, we are here to provide you with the personalized legal defense and advocacy you need to keep your life intact. Contact us today or call (314) 900-HELP to discuss your case and explore your options for defense.
