No one wants to ever be accused of a crime by the police. Unfortunately, you could end up in such a position someday. Whether you were responsible for the act you are being accused of or not, you need to know what to do to obtain the best possible solution under the circumstances. There’s a lot on the line. That could even include your freedom.
Use Your Miranda Rights
At some point, the police may question you regarding the crime they suspect you of having committed. Before this questioning, you should be read your Miranda rights. As is suggested, you have the right to remain silent and request a lawyer. Do so immediately. You do not have to provide the police with any information whatsoever. That fact cannot be used against you. Don’t be tempted to try to defend yourself to the police. That is an attorney’s job in court. You may make critical mistakes that could implicate yourself, whether you committed the crime or not.
Hire a Criminal Lawyer
The second part of this process, of course, is hiring a good criminal lawyer. This should not be the lawyer you used for less serious issues such as writing your will or handling your divorce. Instead, you need a specialist in criminal law. It shouldn’t be just any criminal lawyer either. It should be a lawyer who specializes in the exact kind of crime you have been accused of. If you were accused of embezzlement, find a lawyer who specializes in white-collar crimes. If you were accused of driving under the influence, find a seasoned DUI attorney. Doing so will greatly increase your chances of having success in court.
Listen to and Work With Your Lawyer
Your lawyer will know what’s best for you. They know how the trial is likely to proceed. They will know how the jury will react to certain facts. They will know the temperament of the judge and more. As such, it’s wise to follow your lawyer’s instructions to a T. Similarly, you should be completely open with your lawyer. Tell your lawyer everything you know regarding what you are being accused of. Even if many of the details are embarrassing, you should divulge those facts. That could be vital information to know when crafting your defense.
Even though you have been accused of a crime, that does not mean you have to accept the worst fate possible. You can greatly improve your chances of obtaining a better outcome by utilizing your Miranda rights, hiring the right criminal lawyer, and listening to your lawyer’s instructions. If things align right, you could even be acquitted.
Author information: Anita Ginsburg is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University and now writes articles about health, business, family, and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.
