If you have been accused of and charged by police with a crime, bear in mind that the U.S. Constitution (and other rights charters) guarantees your access to proper legal representation. It is essential to hire a lawyer whose qualifications meet professional standards to have the best chance of beating any charge against you. Here are some tips to help you find proper representation.
Instructions
- Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your arrest. You can make one phone call from custody for this purpose.
- Search the Internet and your local phone book for law firms that defend criminal cases. Narrow your choices to firms that specialize in the charges you face.
- Take advantage of the free consultations many lawyers and law firms offer. Choose a lawyer you feel comfortable with, and who has a reputation for proper conduct within the law community.
- Check your lawyer's credentials and background. Use one of the many agencies available online or in your community to do this. Ideally, you should hire someone who has had success defending other clients against similar charges.
- Discuss your case with your attorney in as much detail as possible. Lawyer-client confidentiality prevents your attorney from disclosing anything you say to him, including an admission of guilt. However, remember that your attorney cannot allow you to make false statements under oath. So if you admit your guilt, he cannot put you on the stand.
- Check with the American Civil Liberties Union (see the Resources section below) to learn about the your rights in a criminal proceeding.
Tips & Warnings
- If the police arrest you, your Miranda rights stipulate that you have the right to remain silent and the right to demand the presence of a lawyer during any interrogation.
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