The majority of people who come to Appelman Law Firm do so because they have already been charged with a crime, but know that this isn’t the only type of client who walks through our doors. We also meet with potential clients who have reason to believe they may soon be charged with a crime and are looking for some advice or legal representation. This is an incredibly wise move, and we explain why it’s so helpful to connect with a lawyer if you have reason to believe you may be charged with a crime in the coming days.
Pre-Charge Criminal Lawyer
One of the biggest myths in the world of criminal defense is that only guilty people need lawyers. “You hired a lawyer, well that seems suspicious, what are you trying to hide?” Statements like this make us want to pull our hair out. Not only is it your right to speak to or hire a lawyer absent a criminal charge, it is a wise move to do so. Forget the optics or what others might think. No prosecutor is going to walk into a courtroom and argue that you are guilty because you hired a lawyer before you were officially charged. Moreover, hiring a lawyer before formal charges are filed can oftentimes stop the prosecution from bringing charges in the first place.
In many situations where criminal charges aren’t immediate, police are working on limited evidence. Perhaps they heard a story from an ex-girlfriend or received an anonymous tip, but they don’t have much else to go on. In these situations, they typically try to squeeze a person into incriminating themselves. They may show up at your house asking to speak, they may ask if they can search your car or your premises just to rule you out as a suspect, or they may push you to give a formal statement as if this is just standard operating procedure. In reality, they are looking for anything they can use to build a case against you.
That’s where connecting with a lawyer before criminal charges are filed can be so helpful. It sends a message to an accuser, to police or to the prosecution that you’re not going to be giving any incriminating statements or consenting to incriminating searches. If they want to conduct a search, they’ll need a valid warrant based on real evidence signed by a judge. If they want to have you give a statement, they’ll only get to talk to you with your lawyer present. Working with a lawyer before charges are filed really limits the state’s opportunity to collect more evidence against you, and it sends a message that you won’t be an easy mark. In many instances, the task proves too tall, and formal charges are never filed.
If any of the following have happened to you, call Appelman Law Firm right away:
- You’ve been contacted by police
- You’re heard that someone has made accusations against you
- Police have attempted to search your home or vehicle
- Property has been seized (phone, computer, tablet, laptop, etc.)
- You’ve received mail noting that you are involved in an investigation
- Police have showed up at your place of work requesting to talk to you
All of these actions can occur without formal criminal charges being filed, but that doesn’t mean you should assume that police are on your side. Zip your lips and contact a criminal defense attorney who can protect your interests and possibly prevent charges from ever being filed.
So if you need a lawyer before charges are filed or now that you’re officially facing criminal charges, connect with Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm today at (952) 224-2277.
