It’s normal to need time to think after getting arrested, but if you wait too long to call an attorney, it can harm your case. Every moment that passes without legal representation, you’re at risk for self-incrimination, lost evidence, and a more challenging legal battle.
A criminal defense attorney is your only defense against shady tactics designed to get you to give up your rights and compromise your case.
Here’s why you need to act fast.
1. Police won’t protect your right to remain silent
After your arrest, anything you say can be used against you in court. The faster you get a lawyer, the less likely you are to say something incriminating to anyone who questions you.
Despite your right to remain silent, law enforcement officers aren’t obligated to protect that right and will intentionally attempt to extract information from you. It doesn’t matter if you’re innocent – they are trained to use tactics that can make even innocent people confess or make incriminating statements.
If you think your right to remain silent only involves speaking about your case, think again. Even casual statements can be used against you, no matter how harmless those statements seem.
“Even well-intentioned explanations can be misinterpreted and used against you,” shares SBBL Law. “The best legal advice? Remain silent until you have counsel.”
Lawyers know the prosecution will twist everything you say to fit their arguments against you. That’s why it’s crucial to get a lawyer as fast as possible. They’ll make sure you don’t say anything that can harm your defense and will communicate on your behalf.
2. Law enforcement can be intimidating
It’s common for police officers to use intimidation to get confessions and compliance from suspects under investigation. Having an attorney will prevent them from manipulating you. The pressure to talk when you’re pressed by investigators can be overwhelming, and aggressive questioning can make you feel like talking just to get them to stop badgering you.
You might even be told cooperating will make your situation better, but that’s a lie. They have only one goal: to get you to confess or incriminate yourself.
A lawyer will stop the coercion before they get anywhere. They’ll ensure that all your interactions with law enforcement are conducted lawfully. If you need to speak, your attorney will tell you when and what to say to preserve your rights.
3. Early evidence collection strengthens your case
The longer you wait to get an attorney, the harder it becomes to collect important evidence. For example, witness statements might change over time, physical evidence can be lost, and video surveillance can be erased. When you hire an attorney, they’ll start working immediately to collect and preserve evidence before it gets lost or compromised.
4. A lawyer can help you get better bail conditions
When you secure an attorney early on, you have a good chance at getting better bail terms and possibly not being held in custody at all. Your lawyer will argue for a lower bail or advocate to release you without bail. The prosecution may push for unfair terms that will make it impossible for you to comply, so having an attorney is a must.
5. The legal process is complex
You’ll start going through the legal system the moment you’re arrested, so it’s important to have a lawyer on your side as early as possible. The criminal justice system is highly complex, and a lawyer will make sure you don’t make mistakes that will hurt your case.
Your attorney will ensure all filing deadlines are met, prevent you from waiving your rights, and navigate the difficult aspect of legal procedures on your behalf. They’ll explain terminology and protocols you don’t understand, and make sure you’re always aware of what’s happening with your case.
6. You might take a bad plea deal
If you don’t have an attorney by the time you’re offered a plea deal, you could give yourself the short end of the stick. Prosecutors will often push for a fast plea deal that seems favorable, but comes with serious consequences.
Only an attorney can assess a plea offer to know if it’s reasonable given the circumstances of your case. If it’s not fair, they’ll negotiate for better terms, like lesser charges or reduced penalties.
Don’t wait to call an attorney
You might think you have time to call an attorney, but waiting is a mistake. Every minute counts when your rights are on the line. Securing an experienced criminal defense attorney fast is required to get the best possible case outcome.