First, anyone who is arrested should REMAIN SILENT!

Remember, anything you say or do will be used against you in a court of law. The best words you should say is “I want to speak with an attorney”. Be polite and cooperative. You should be aware that police officers are highly skilled and trained to investigate crimes and gather evidence to build a case against you. In their search for evidence, rules are often bent and statements are taken out of context in the pursuit of an arrest and conviction. The questioning is never “off the record” even if the police say it is.

The fact is that most people provide the evidence needed to convict themselves to the police through confessions, statements, or other evidence.

How soon should I hire an Attorney?

You should begin to search for an attorney as soon as possible. This will ensure that the attorney that you have hired has a chance to become familiar with your case and make any necessary motions to defend you in your case. Additionally, the sooner an attorney is hired, the sooner he can see to preserve evidence for you Also, if you are being arrested or otherwise detained, an attorney, your attorney can request a decrease in any bail or bond amount or may ask to have you released on your own recognizance. If you are under investigation for a crime or you are already a defendant in a criminal case, hiring an attorney quickly or even before a warrant is issued will help the attorney protect and preserve your legal rights.