Under Investigation
How to Protect Your Rights
When you learn that you are being investigated in connection with a crime, it is vital that you take the appropriate actions to safeguard yourself against the possibility of an arrest and criminal conviction. Once you receive a letter or a phone call from the police or another law enforcement agency requesting that you come in for questioning, you need to realize that you have been given a warning that you are most likely under suspicion of committing a crime. At this point, you have several choices, and your decision as to how to proceed could easily determine whether you end up going to jail or prison, or if you are able to walk away from this situation with minimal damage to your reputation and career.
Don’t Talk to the Police
The first thing that you must remember is that the police are not your friends. They may seem very friendly and might give you the idea that by cooperating you can avoid a harsh punishment, but you have to keep in mind that they are not on your side. Their job is to solve crimes and put people behind bars, and the reason they are interested in talking to you is because they think they have found their man or woman. They want to meet with you so that you can help them out by answering questions and providing evidence against yourself. The fact is, they are good enough at their jobs, and you don’t need to help them by waiving your rights against self-incrimination.
You Have a Right to an Attorney
You have a right under the Fifth Amendment not to testify against yourself, and the fact that you refuse to do so cannot be held against you. At all times when talking to the police, it is absolutely in your best interest to say as little as possible. If and when you do speak with investigators, you can politely insist on having your attorney present to advise you. It would be difficult to exaggerate the importance of bringing your lawyer to any meeting at the police station or elsewhere – police and detectives are trained to badger a suspect with questions and to lead a person into making self-incriminating statements, but you can level the playing field by having your attorney by your side to speak on your behalf and tell you what to say – and what not to say.
The one thing you can do to maximize your chances of staying out of jail – and perhaps even avoid an arrest in the first place – is to hire a criminal defense attorney as early as possible. In addition to representing you during questioning, your attorney can also advise you of strategies for preventing an accumulation of evidence against you. For example, if you are being investigated for a sex offense, you should absolutely avoid any contact with the alleged victim. Investigators will sometimes have the victim make a recorded phone call to the suspect, asking for an apology or an explanation of his or her actions – the recording is later used as evidence in the case.
Speak with a Criminal Attorney Now
Whether you are under suspicion for a sex crime, a drug-related offense, a theft, or any other type of crime, contact The Law Office of Richard T. Jones immediately. The attorney has been providing the Austin community with friendly and effective defense since 1992, and he is prepared to take immediate action in your case. You can receive a free, confidential consultation, which will give you the chance to tell your side of the story and learn about your options for fighting the charges. Don’t wait another moment before calling or visiting the law office for help!