What To Do Immediately If You’ve Been Accused Of A Crime

When facing a criminal accusation, it is important to understand how the criminal justice system works and what to do first. These first few hours are crucial, as how you respond to the charges and act can determine your future. It is essential to know what steps to take after being charged with a crime. Remember, take everything seriously, do not resist arrest if law enforcement comes to arrest you, do not make incriminating statements, and do not answer the questions of any law enforcement officers without an attorney present. Speak only to do one thing, ask for your lawyer. If you need a criminal defense lawyer who will respond as soon as you get your first call,  contact those at Lermitte & Lubin, LLC.

What Steps to Take After Receiving a Criminal Charge

Being charged with a crime can be frightening, but now is no time to panic and make mistakes. After being charged with a crime, there are several important steps to take to ensure your rights and interests are protected.

• Remain Silent: The first thing you should do is exercise your right to remain silent. It’s said all the time for a reason – anything you say can and likely will be used against you in a court of law. You should remain silent until you have the chance to do one thing, and one thing only: contact an attorney. The police can confiscate your ID and personal belongings temporarily, and because of that, you do not have to answer to identify yourself in Pennsylvania law. It is against the law to provide false identification though, so it’s better to say nothing.
• Hire an Attorney: It's crucial to contact and hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. We can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you build a strong defense. We can also protect you from answering questions that are meant to incriminate you.
• Preserve Evidence: Once your attorney works to get you out of police custody, or can contact your family and/or friends, it’s time to begin collecting evidence. If there's any evidence that could help your case, we want to find and record it. This could include text messages, emails, witnesses, or physical items.
• Avoid Discussing Your Case: Do not discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney. They may be questioned, and if put on the stand or forced to be interviewed by law enforcement, they may say something incriminating without meaning to. Anything they say can be misinterpreted or misconstrued from the truth. This includes friends, family, and especially law enforcement officers.
• Comply with Court Orders and Conditions: If the court imposes any conditions, such as bail, emergency protection order, emergency custody, or restraining order, it's essential to comply with these conditions. Breaking them will lead to another criminal charge and evidence against you in your original charge.
• Stay involved in your case: Communicate regularly with your attorney, ask questions, and make informed decisions about your defense strategy. You must be informed of everything going on, and what you need to be thinking about to prepare for your next step in the court case.

While each case is unique, you should never assume that law enforcement is on your side, even in the strangest circumstances. The only person you can trust is the attorney you’ve hired to represent you. We have a vested interest in getting the charges dropped.

Who Should You Call If You Have Been Accused of a Crime?

Once you are taken into police custody, the first chance you get, you need to call the attorneys at Lermitte & Lubin, LLC. You cannot sit and waste time while law enforcement potentially puts together evidence against you. You need to contact your attorney as soon as possible and get the help you need. Don’t depend on attorneys who may get back to you in the next few days. You need someone who can help you as soon as possible. That’s what the criminal defense attorneys at Lermitte & Lubin, LLC can do. Contact us today.