Getting arrested anywhere is nothing short of scary and overwhelming. It does not matter whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony you are facing, the actions you carry out following an arrest greatly matters and can change the way a case is built. This makes it important that you understand your rights and what should be done to make the situation less complicated for you. So if you are arrested in Fort Worth, this is what you need to follow to get guided in the right direction.
1. Remain Calm and Be Respectful
Right after arrest, the most important thing for you to do is to breathe and try to remain as calm as you can. It is indeed tough when one believes the arrest was made wrongfully, however getting into combative means is the worst thing that can ever happen at such a point in time. It goes without saying that this can cause matters to escalate and get worse where additional charges can be put on such as resisting arrest or ‘disorderly conduct’. Instead use the opportunity to respect law officials. While being under arrest gives the police legal grounds to detain you, it does not justify them treating one poorly. In the event they are, and there is proof to it, it is right for you to point out the mistreatment to your lawyer afterwards.
2. Do Not Answer Questions Without a Lawyer Present
Out of many important things to know when an arrest is made, the most important is to exercise the right to silence. This right is covered in Amendment 5 of the Constitution of the United States. Even though your story is valid and one wants to explain it in full, don’t. The police will use everything against you and anything you say, can be used against you. As a rule of thumb, police officers will always want to know things that will be detrimental to your case. You have the right to refuse any form of questioning until the criminal lawyer is there. Say, “I want to discuss with a legal professional first and after that, I will talk.”
Believe it or not, some people feel that saying something, disclosing some information is never harmful. In the court of law, everything can and will be spun against you which is why, silence and seeking for legal representation is the most preferred option to protect yourself.
3. Contact a Fort Worth Criminal Defense Attorney
It is critical that you contact a Fort Worth Criminal Defense Attorney as soon as you are under arrest. An adept criminal defense lawyer will advise on all aspects of the legal process. They will enlighten you on the applicable laws and strategies that could significantly affect the result of your case.
Your lawyer will investigate your arrest to see if any of your rights were breached. For example, if you were arrested without probable cause, or if the arresting officer did not read you your rights, your lawyer may be able to exclude certain pieces of evidence or testimony from the courtroom.
If you are not represented, do not hesitate to ask for advice. The earlier you anticipate engaging an attorney, the stronger the case you will be able to prepare.
4. Understand Your Bail Options
After your arrest, you will likely be taken to a holding facility where you may be processed and booked. Following this, a judge will set bail unless your crime is particularly severe. Bail is essentially an amount of money you must pay in exchange for your release while you await trial. In many cases, you may be eligible for bail, and an attorney can help ensure that the amount is reasonable and help you navigate the process of posting bail.
If you can’t afford the bail set, you may need to contact a bail bondsman who can post bail on your behalf in exchange for a non-refundable fee. It is crucial to work with your attorney during this process to ensure that your release happens as quickly as possible.
5. Avoid Speaking to Others About Your Case
Once you’ve been arrested, it could induce a desire to favor discussions with your friends and relatives about your current situation. At the same time, let’s keep in mind that, apart from the lawyer, no one should be entertained about your case. Information shared could potentially harm your testimony. While feelings may need an outlet, the safe option is to speak with your lawyer. Your attorney is seeking what’s best for you, meaning he or she will use their skills to represent you best.
6. Follow Your Attorney’s Advice
After you have spoken to your Fort Worth criminal defense attorney, be rest assured that there is prudent guidance on what you must do subsequently. Having an attorney means making something possible. Every decision taken involves consequences and your lawyer is an active participant in decisions made on everything ranging from taking a guilty plea to going for a trial or even taking a plea bargain.
Legally, your attorney is required to ensure that you have your rights protected and alongside having a fair hearing. Primarily, their goal is to seek what is in the best interest of their client and unlike other parties, success it won’t be elusive.
7. Prepare for Court
If there is a trial, your lawyer will work with you to know how the court appearance will be like aiding you in the understanding of the legal issue in question, the punishment that may be inflicted, and what approaches will be taken. Your attorney will also help you prepare for the witness stand and try to find any evidence that may be useful for your case.
The majority of the time, if not in all instances, criminal allegations can be settled through the negotiation of a plea bargain which can mitigate the time taken in trial hearings. Your attorney in working for your best interest will make sure you understand every option available as well as the applicable outcomes so that you can make intelligent choices that reduce your legal risk.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that the pulse of Fort Worth may still be in full swing, being arrested within its limits can be quite an unsettling experience. Though knowing your rights and what actions to take next is extremely imperative, remaining composed by exercising the right to remain silent while reaching out to a proficient Fort Worth Criminal Defense lawyers is equally as important. An adept attorney will ensure that regardless of the nature of the charges, they will assist in building a robust legal defense while shepherding you through the legal issues step by step. If the unfortunate situation of getting arrested in Fort Worth arises, do not think twice about contacting a professional with excellent criminal defense skills. It may be an important decision regarding your future lifestyle.
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