Contacting An Attorney For An Anne Arundel Criminal Case
If charged or even just accused of a criminal offense in Anne Arundel, MD it is important you consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case and begin building a defense. Below is information on your legal rights regarding contact with an attorney and how hiring legal representation can benefit you. To learn more call and schedule a consultation with an Anne Arundel criminal lawyer today.
The Right To Legal Representation
You have the right to speak to an attorney in almost any stage of a criminal investigation. You can choose to not answer questions without an attorney present, which is what Miranda states. However, during a DUI investigation, for example, you have the right to speak to an attorney prior to deciding whether or not to blow into a breathalyzer and that would usually occur before your Miranda rights are read to you.
Does Asking to Speak With An Attorney Imply Guilt?
Asking an officer to speak to an attorney does not imply any kind of guilt. It simply implies that you are aware of your rights. Having competent legal counsel with you during any step of the investigation is not an admission of guilt. It is simply an admission that you understand how the legal system works in this country.
When To Contact A Lawyer
You can contact an attorney during a criminal investigation process in Maryland basically at any time. You do not have to wait until you’ve been charged. If you believe that the police are investigating you for a crime, it may very well be in your best interest to contact an attorney immediately.
Importance of Speaking to Counsel Before Being Charged
Speaking to counsel before you are charged can stop you from making admissions of guilt, from engaging in conduct that may incriminate you, and from possibly making other mistakes. It can give you some idea of what you may potentially be facing and it can allow your attorney to begin crafting a defense. The sooner all of these things are done, the better.
Common Mistakes When Choosing an Attorney
One mistake would be automatically assuming that their case is similar to someone else’s case. So for example, if one of their friends got great help from a particular attorney, that maybe because the attorney was excellent or it may just be because their facts were extremely straightforward and easy to defend. So automatically going with the first attorney that is recommended may be a mistake. Therefore, it is usually in someone’s best interest to interview several attorneys, and to compare what those attorneys state to the individual, so that the individual finds the attorney with which they are comfortable.