Chances are, if you are googling when to hire a lawyer, you should already be hiring a lawyer. You should contact a local Sugar Land criminal defense attorney as soon as you are approached by the police, have reason to believe you are under investigation or are arrested. The earlier you get an attorney, the better it will be for the outcome of your case. For most, the primary concern when deciding to get an attorney is cost. However, hiring an attorney earlier, rather than later, could end up saving you money in the long run. Not to mention, a knowledgeable local attorney can ease your anxiety about what to expect on your case by explaining the process and next steps so that you can fully understand what will happen BEFORE it happens.
Below is a list of reasons why it is never too early to hire a criminal defense attorney.
- Protect Your Rights During Police Questioning
Even before your arrest, Sugar Land police may try to question you. You should never speak to the police without an attorney. Law enforcement is not on your side. They are trained to extract statements, and anything you say can be used against you. It is very easy to incriminate yourself because prosecutors can manipulate statements and take them out of context.
An attorney can advise you to plead the fifth and protect your constitutional rights. If you decide it is in your best interest to cooperate, your attorney can be present during the questioning to ensure that you do not say anything incriminating. Attorneys are deeply familiar with police questioning tactics and local, state, and federal laws. Having an attorney involved this early in the process gives you the chance of avoiding arrest in the first place.
- Negotiate Initial Charges
Your attorney can negotiate initial charges with Fort Bend law enforcement and the district attorney’s office. For example, your attorney can conduct its own investigation and argue that the state doesn’t have a case, or they could present evidence that the search by law enforcement was illegal, and, therefore, the evidence is inadmissible. The lower the initial charge, the better the final outcome will be. Depending on the circumstances, it might even be possible for your attorney to prevent the state from pressing charges.
- Arrange a Jail Walk-Through
If you have a warrant out for your arrest in Sugar Land, you should hire a lawyer. Your attorney can arrange a jail walk-through. A jail walk-through is when arrangements are made ahead of time for your bail. It allows you to surrender yourself without having to spend any time in jail. It expedites the process, and you don’t have to risk an embarrassing arrest in public. A jail walk-through may even increase the likelihood of a lower bail because the court will not view you as a flight risk.
- Appear at Arraignment
At the arraignment, you appear in front of the judge and plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. A criminal defense attorney can help you understand your charges and the possible consequences. Together you can weigh the pros and cons of each option and decide what to plea. Your decisions at arraignment are permanent and have a considerable impact on the trajectory of your case.
During this process, your attorney can also work to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor. A plea deal typically involves the defendant pleading guilty to a lesser charge or to only one of several charges.
- Start Preparing Your Defense
The earlier you hire a Sugar Land criminal defense lawyer, the earlier he or she can start preparing your defense. They can begin gathering evidence, conducting investigations, and questioning witnesses. The more time your attorney has to build your case, the more solid your defense will be.
- Provide Support
Being arrested or under investigation is extremely stressful. The legal system is confusing and complex, and it is easy to feel all alone. Your attorney can be your rock. A knowledgeable Sugar Land attorney will understand the ins-and-outs of the law and have experience dealing with situations like your own. They can lay out a roadmap for the path ahead, so you know what to expect. You will have someone on your side whose job it is to protect your rights and advocate for your interests. Having an expert on your team can provide peace of mind during a very emotional time.
Your Sugar Land Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been arrested or are under investigation, don’t wait to reach out to an experienced and client-focused Sugar Land criminal defense attorney. Adam Capetillo is a Fort Bend County native who will help you understand your rights and navigate your next steps. Call Capetillo Law Firm today for a free consultation.