Depending on the nature of your crime, you may be placed under arrest, charged with a crime and then released all in the same day. Even if the process isn’t this quick, many people feel like the situation was a blur, and now their left wondering where to turn as they await their first appearance. We get a number of calls from people in this position, so we wanted to share a few tips for how you can best handle yourself in the above situation.
What To Do After Being Charged And Released
If you’ve been arrested, charged and released, here are three things you’ll want to do prior to your first scheduled appearance.
1. Contact Attorneys – The first thing you should do after an arrest is contact at least one criminal defense firm and set up a free consultation to talk about your case. Even if you’re not sure if you’re going to proceed with a lawyer, sitting down and talking with one about your options will help you feel in more control. If you know you’re going to be hiring a lawyer, consider setting up 2-3 of these consultations to help determine which law firm would be the best fit for your situation. Ask questions about your case and the attorney’s experience to see if you’re confident in their ability to defend you at trial.
2. Show A Willingness To Change – Part of the criminal justice system is designed to punish wrongdoers, but the bigger aspect is on preventing criminal behavior in the future. If you can show the court that you understand that gravity of the situation and you will not make the same mistakes again, that can go a long way in helping your case. For example, your lawyer may recommend that you complete a driving course or a substance abuse class even though it hasn’t been mandated by the court, because it will help showcase your desire to show the court you’re taking the situation seriously.
3. Stay Out Of Trouble – Finally, as you await your day it court, please stay out of further legal trouble. Don’t go talk to the victim or drink yourself stupid in a bar, because those are just recipes for disaster. Make good decisions and keep your head low. It will be much easier for your attorney to showcase that the type of behavior that led to your original arrest was an outlier if you stay out of trouble after your arrest. If you need help avoiding problems while you await trial, talk to your attorney about some ways to focus on healthier habits.
If you keep these tips in mind and put your trust in an experienced legal team, we’re confident you’ll put yourself in a great position to beat the charges. For more information or for help with your criminal case, reach out to Avery Appelman and the team at Appelman Law Firm today.
