Three Reasons You Should Consult an Attorney After Your Arrest

 Posted on August 22, 2016 in Criminal Defense

Whenever a citizen experiences an arrest, the initial fear of facing criminal charges of any kind typically prompts them to request to speak with an attorney right away. Ideally, this should always be the first course of action. Consulting with a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer can be one of the most crucial decisions you make when accused of a crime,. The sooner you acquire proper legal representation, the sooner you can safeguard your rights, build a strong case, and protect your future.

In the event you are arrested, here are three valid reasons you should consult with an attorney:

1. You may be wrongly accused.

According to the law, any sheriff, state trooper, or police officer can make a lawful arrest. Under certain circumstances, they are not required to have a warrant to take you into custody. If they have reasonable ground to believe there is already a warrant issued under your name, or if they claim you committed or attempted to commit a crime in their presence, they have the right to arrest you. In short, if a police officer believes you are guilty of a crime, they can escort you to jail. So, what do you do if you are wrongly accused? What if the arresting officer has misconstrued the facts surrounding your arrest? You will need a professional who knows the law inside and out to fight for justice on your behalf.

2. To ensure you are properly informed of your rights.

You are likely already familiar with the process that takes place the moment you are arrested: the officer reads you your rights and then you are taken into custody. Not everyone truly understands what those rights mean, however, which can place you at a significant disadvantage when it is time to protect yourself.

The Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments of the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution dictate a citizen’s basic rights when under arrest. For example, the Sixth Amendment states that, “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury...and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witness against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.” It is important you know each right available and how it applies to you, and a qualified attorney can arm you with this information.

3. To increase your chances of lessening the severity of your criminal charges.

An attorney who focuses in a certain area is equipped with the knowledge and know-how to utilize the law and make it work to your advantage. If you want to build a solid case that protects your best interests and minimizes the potential damage to your record and your future as a whole, you need to speak with a knowledgeable Chicago criminal defense attorney. We would be honored to help you with your case. Call the Luisi Legal Group today at 773-276-5541 for a free initial consultation.

Sources:

https://www.isba.org/sites/default/files/publications/pamphlets/Arrested.pdf

http://www.icjia.state.il.us/assets/pdf/ResearchReports/Policies_and_Procedures_of_the_Illinois_Criminal_Justice_System_Aug2012.pdf