It can be a stressful and overwhelming time when you are facing criminal charges. From the moment of arrest to your final court appearance, it is best to have an experienced criminal defense attorney by your side. They can help you navigate this difficult process and keep you from getting into further trouble.

Do not withhold information from your attorney.
No detail is too small when it comes to your case. Be sure to tell your attorney everything that happened so they can build the strongest defense possible.

Do not talk to anyone about your case except your attorney.
This includes friends and family. If a police officer approaches you to discuss your case, do not speak to them without your attorney present. You could unintentionally say something that may be used against you.

Do not give up your Fifth Amendment right.
This is your Miranda right—the right to remain silent after being arrested. When you are arrested, do not say anything to the police. Anything you say can and likely will be used against you in court.

Do not go to your arraignment without an attorney.
Once you are arrested, you will be given an arraignment date. At this hearing, the judge will ask how you plead to the charges. Some people mistakenly enter a plea of “No Contest” instead of “Not Guilty,” not understanding the difference. If you have an attorney before your arraignment, they may be able to excuse your appearance in court or even get the charges dismissed beforehand.

Do not think you can handle this alone.
When facing criminal charges, you may think you can fight the case by yourself. However, this often leads to even more trouble. It is always best to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible so they can develop a strong defense on your behalf.

If you are facing criminal charges, it is in your best interest to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. They can guide you through every step of the process and help protect your future.

This is not intended to be legal advice, nor does it create an attorney–client relationship. This content is for informational purposes only.