After being arrested, your emotions are naturally in overdrive. It is in your best interest, however, to do whatever you can to remain as calm as possible. This will allow you to carefully navigate the arrest process and to thoughtfully make important early decisions – the most crucial of which might be to call an experienced defense attorney.
Once arrested, you have the right to remain silent and to let any questions pertaining to your actual or potential charges go unanswered. You also have the right, and it is generally advisable, to request that a lawyer is present during any questioning. These rights are guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution and law enforcement officers are required to advise you of those rights – commonly called the Miranda Warning. Before they question you in custody, law enforcement officers must inform you of your rights and if you choose to invoke either the right to remain silent or the right to an attorney, they are no longer allowed to question you without your attorney present. If arrested, it is almost always in your best interest to invoke this right and seek representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney.
The Attorney’s Role
Your defense attorney can be of the utmost importance in the outcome of your case. While cases obviously vary, there are several important responsibilities that experienced defense lawyers shoulder throughout the process, including the following:
- Providing you not only with advice regarding your rights but also with a roadmap of what to expect upon encountering the criminal process;
- Working to ensure that your rights are upheld;
- Negotiating on your behalf to obtain favorable results; and
- Continuing to investigate the facts of your situation in an effort to ensure the best possible outcome.
In short, it is the criminal defense attorney’s job to strive to obtain just results and fair treatment on your behalf.
Making the Call
Upon arrest, you are best served by invoking your legal rights to remain silent and to obtain a criminal defense attorney. From the outset, you should make it clear that you intend to draw upon those rights by remaining silent regarding any actual or potential charges and by obtaining the legal assistance of a defense attorney. Because the process can begin to move quickly once you have been arrested, it is highly advisable that you request the counsel of an experienced defense lawyer early in the process of arrest.
Many people believe that seeking out an attorney will increase the appearance of guilt. However, if you are arrested, law enforcement officers already believe you are guilty and are simply trying to gather evidence to prove it. Without an attorney present, you may unintentionally say or do something that casts suspicion on you or contradicts a previous statement. Having an attorney present can only help you and cannot be used against you in your case.
Contact Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorney Brian Zeiger
If you have been arrested, your emotions are no doubt in turmoil. It is very difficult to navigate such an ordeal alone. Your best line of defense is to remain as calm as you can and to invoke your right not to answer questions pertaining to the arrest and your right to counsel. These are your rights, and by employing them, you improve your chances of obtaining the best possible resolution. Attorney Brian Zeiger, founder of The Zeiger Firm and with over a decade of experience as a criminal defense lawyer, will thoroughly review the facts of your case and will guide and advise you through every step of the process. To learn more about how we can help, call Brian Zeiger today at 215-546-0340 or send us an email through our online contact form.
