March 15, 2019
If you were arrested and are facing criminal charges, you may feel frightened about what will happen next, and worried about your future. It is obviously an inherently stressful situation, but how you handle yourself in the coming days and weeks may impact the outcome of your case. Here are a few helpful tips:
Do: Consult Your Attorney Before Talking to the Police
You have a Constitutional right to remain silent until you speak to your lawyer, and it is in your best interest to exercise that right. The police are trained in getting suspects to talk and disclose information that may be harmful to their case. Therefore, never talk to the police before you talk to your lawyer.
Do: Tell Your Lawyer Everything
You may think you will fare better if you omit certain details, but it is critically important to be entirely honest with your lawyer. For a criminal defense lawyer to most effectively help you, they have to know all of the facts. Trust your attorney, and give them all of the information you have, because it is the only way they can give you the best possible defense.
Do: Adhere to the Terms of Your Bail
If you have been released from custody on bond, whether cash, surety, or personal, you agreed you would comply with certain terms. In most cases, these terms include not leaving the jurisdiction and appearing for all court hearings. Do not disregard these terms, because if you do you may be returned to custody and be subject to serious fines.
Don’t: Mention Your Case on Social Media
Regardless of your privacy settings, do not post anything about your case on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any other social media platform. You may believe your social media is locked up tighter than Fort Knox, yet your posts may still be admissible in court. If you can’t control your urge to share about your case, consider deleting your accounts until the case is resolved.
Don’t: Discuss Your Case with Friends, Family, or Co-workers
It is natural to want support and sympathy from those in your life when you are under immense stress, and the people who care about you may be asking for information because they are concerned. However, do not discuss your case with anyone other than your lawyer and the specific individuals who they have confirmed will be protected by privilege, such as your spouse. This is because unless there is a privilege exception, friends, family, or co-workers can be called to testify against you. Do not put yourself and others in this potentially unfortunate situation.
You Need a St. Petersburg Attorney as Your Advocate
If you were arrested and charged with a crime, don’t leave your future to chance. Speak to an experienced criminal defense lawyer in St. Petersburg as soon as possible. Contact Khonsari Law Group today. Our legal team is dedicated to helping Florida residents protect their rights and get fair treatment under the law. Call us at (727) 269-5300 or online to schedule a free consultation and learn if we may be able to help you.