If you were arrested, you are probably scared and wondering what to do next. You could be facing fines, jail time, and the possibility of a criminal record that will affect the rest of your life.
Even though the future might seem dire, you should not give up. An Inverness criminal defense lawyer could help minimize the consequences of an arrest. Depending on the circumstances, they could help you avoid charges and a criminal record. The sooner you get legal help, the more assistance a seasoned attorney could provide. Call to speak to an experienced criminal defender as soon as you are facing an arrest.
Protect Your Rights After an Arrest
Anyone under criminal investigation or arrest should not speak to the police. Officers will try to get a suspect to explain themselves during an interview, but it is important to resist and not talk until legal counsel is present.
A legal representative could help an individual answer questions in a way that will not provide the police with evidence against them. In many cases, they will advise someone under investigation to not answer certain questions at all.
Additionally, if an accused person has information that could be helpful to the police, a criminal defense lawyer in Inverness could arrange to provide it to law enforcement under controlled conditions that do not risk self-incrimination. In many cases, this would involve a legal professional arranging for someone to receive a benefit in exchange for providing information.
Defending Against Criminal Charges
Every criminal case is different, and a skilled Inverness attorney will tailor their defense efforts to fit the situation. However, there are some actions a legal representative would take in every criminal matter.
The most important thing legal counsel does is ensure law enforcement and a prosecutor respect a defendant’s rights. In many cases, police or prosecutorial misconduct could lead to a motion to dismiss the charges. In other cases, a defender could prevent a prosecutor from relying on evidence that the police obtained illegally.
Every criminal charge requires prosecutors to prove specific elements, which vary depending on the allegation. If a prosecutor uses physical evidence like fingerprints or witness testimony to demonstrate an aspect of an alleged crime, a practiced criminal defender could challenge the evidence and raise doubt in the minds of the jurors.
Are Diversion Programs an Option?
Sometimes an arrest or criminal investigation could serve as a wake-up call. Perhaps an accused individual has a problem with drugs, alcohol, mental health, or anger issues. Sometimes, a legal professional could arrange for a person to get help and keep their record clean.
Thankfully, local legislation offers eligible offenders the opportunity to participate in Teen Court, Dependency Drug Court, Felony Adult Drug Court, and Mental Health Court. Even if one of these alternatives is unsuitable for a particular defendant, prosecutors are often willing to postpone charging or sentencing an alleged offender if they agree to participate in an appropriate private rehabilitation program.
A compassionate criminal defense lawyer in Inverness could help an alleged offender find resources to address the underlying issues that led to their arrest. Working to overcome a problem could prevent trouble with the law in the future.
Call an Inverness Criminal Defense Attorney Right Away
You need to act immediately if you encounter charges or believe you are under criminal investigation. Delay makes it more challenging to develop a strong defense. Do not assume you can manage a criminal charge on your own. Get professional help from an Inverness criminal defense lawyer today. Call today to discuss your options.