In the days of True Crime being televised, all over social media and the news; Podcasts galore, we are glad that the majority of these outlets are spreading the best advice out there: Always Hire A Lawyer.
Recently a member of our office was listening to the hit Podcast, “Crime Junkie.” They came across a recent episode that emphasized this one simple rule – to Always Hire A Lawyer. In summary, in this episode there was an accused individual who was interrogated by Detectives without asking for a lawyer. He was subsequently arrested and found GUILTY of the crime. Only for decades later to be found truly innocent! The interrogation without an attorney had resulted in contradictory statements being made by that individual that led to his arrest and conviction. In hindsight, had he had a lawyer, he likely would not have made those statements.
As the host of Crime Junkie states in their “Crime Junkie Life Rules” Instagram post:
“Having a lawyer will never get you in more trouble. It will only help you.”
While we are not only fans of the show for all of the work this podcast does for unsolved cases and with the Innocence Projects, we also absolutely applaud them for bringing this to the Crime Junkie Life Rules. Here’s why:
If you are being investigated for a crime and the police attempt to contact you, your next move can make the difference between facing charges or walking away without a worry. There’s no room for error.
If the police are investigating you for a crime they likely already believe that you committed that crime! They are not there to help clear your name. They are there to conduct an investigation and submit a report to the prosecutor’s office for criminal charges.
Having a criminal defense attorney on your side during an investigation can help in many ways such as:
- Persuading the prosecutor to decline charges.
- Conducting your own investigation to collect evidence and interview witnesses.
- Submitting to a private polygraph to prove you are telling the truth! (Never submit to a police polygraph! – Another Crime Junkie Life Rule as well!)
- Negotiating a Pre-Charge Settlement of charges.
- Keep you updated with the investigation status.
- Being able to answer client questions and concerns.
- Avoiding arrest!
- If you retain an attorney often times the police agencies will allow that attorney to walk into court with you for your arraignment instead of coming to your home or workplace, putting you in handcuffs, and taking you to jail.
- Expressly stating your upholding your constitutional rights to remain silent and be free from searches and seizures.
Having an attorney on your side, protecting your rights, during an investigation or pre-charge stage gives you the best chances of avoiding charges, preventing an arrest, and controlling potentially devastating consequences.
If you or a loved one are under investigation or are contacted by police requesting to speak with you – stop and call our office. We will help you through this process and make sure that you and your rights are protected.