Three Musts after Being Charged with a Crime in Texas

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If you are facing a criminal charge in the State of Texas, you are in a very difficult, stressful situation, and you may have no idea where to turn. Although your case is unique to you and the circumstances involved, there are three things that every person charged with a crime should do, and they can help you, too. The most important thing you can do for yourself if a criminal charge has been levied against you is to work closely with an experienced Round Rock criminal lawyer. (Is Everything I Tell My Criminal Defense Lawyer Confidential?)

One: Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent

If you have heard it once, you have heard it a whole bunch of times – you have the right to remain silent if you are facing a criminal charge, and it is in your best interest to invoke this right immediately. Tell the officer your name when asked to do so, and then refrain from speaking until your attorney is present. The right to remain silent is your Fifth Amendment right, and it is inviolate for a very important reason, and this is that it helps to ensure you do not incriminate yourself. Being charged with a crime is bad enough; there is absolutely no reason to make the situation worse.

Two: Keep Your Nose Clean

If you are charged and arrested, you will likely be out on bail fairly quickly. Once you face charges – whether you were arrested or not – it is critical that you remain on your best behavior (Learn more about resisting arrest). Engaging in questionable activities now, while the police are almost certainly watching, can seriously harm your case. You want your case to reach a favorable conclusion, and one of the best ways to help ensure this happens is by staying out of trouble in the interim. If your charge involves alcohol or drugs, now might be a good time to seek the treatment or counseling that you have been considering.

Three: Consult with an Experienced Criminal Lawyer

If you are facing a criminal charge, you need an experienced criminal lawyer in your corner, and the sooner you connect, the better. The right to legal counsel is right up there with your right to remain silent, and you should take both of these rights extremely seriously. Your criminal lawyer will take on a variety of important roles, including:

  • Your attorney will ensure that you are either charged within the requisite time period or that your charges are dropped altogether.
  • Your attorney will attempt to negotiate a reasonable bail amount that is not financially crippling.
  • Your attorney will determine your best path forward, including determining whether negotiating a plea deal is in your best interests.

Seek the Legal Guidance of an Experienced Round Rock Criminal Lawyer Today

Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Round Rock, Texas, is a compassionate criminal lawyer who understands the seriousness of your situation and is committed to helping you achieve a favorable case resolution. For more information, please do not wait to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 today.

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