If you are facing a criminal charge, you are in a uniquely difficult situation. While your case will be specific to the circumstances involved, your next steps will play a key role in how it is resolved. The most important things to keep in mind from the start are that you need skilled legal counsel backing you up and that an experienced Heidenheimer criminal defense attorney at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard has the experience and legal skill you are looking for.

Your Innocence Is Not Enough

Too many people who are charged with crimes in Texas believe their innocence alone is enough to resolve the matter. As a result, they start talking, which tends to make things worse rather than better. While being innocent of the charge you are accused of is a great start, it is not enough to get you out of the hot seat you find yourself in.

From the moment of your arrest, even if you are completely innocent of the crime in question, there are two key steps you should take, and they apply across the board.

Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent

After providing the police with your name, address, and phone number, it is time to invoke your constitutional right to remain silent. Explaining your situation to the police or attempting to convince them of your innocence is very unlikely to make a difference other than it coming back to haunt your defense at another time. 

You have reached the point at which you should stop talking. And after letting the officers know that you do not have anything else to share, you should remain silent.

Invoke Your Right to an Attorney

The only other comment you should make is that you want an attorney, which you can repeat if you need to do so. Once you have a practiced criminal defense lawyer in your corner, you will be in a much better position to handle everything that comes next and to effect an advantageous outcome.

Keep in mind that, if you are being questioned about a crime, even if you have not been arrested, it is in your best interest to exercise your right to remain silent and to request an attorney. The police may tell you that you are not under suspicion in the case, but they can tell you virtually anything they like. A much better approach is holding your tongue and letting your savvy criminal defense attorney sort the matter out.

The Fact that the Charge Is Only a Misdemeanor Does Not Change Anything

You may be so relieved that the charge against you is not a felony that you are willing to take a plea deal and put the matter well behind you. The fact is, however, that every criminal charge is a serious charge and that every plea deal amounts to an admission of guilt. 

It is true that felonies like aggravated assault and burglary are more serious than misdemeanor charges like a first DWI or a shoplifting charge for something of little value. A conviction for a misdemeanor, however, can still land you in jail, carry hefty fines, and have serious social consequences. Don’t be fooled into thinking that it is just a misdemeanor. 

Because a criminal conviction is a matter of public record, there are social consequences that can seriously affect your future, including:

• Renting a place to live or buying a home can be more difficult.
• Your reputation will suffer.
• Your job opportunities could dry up.
• Any professional licensure you have obtained could be negatively affected or void altogether.
• Your opportunity to further your education could be limited.

Not Every Search Is a Legal Search

The case that the police and the prosecution are building against you is based on evidence. It is important to keep in mind that not all evidence is obtained legally, and when it is not, it cannot be used against you. 

If the police pulled you over on suspicion of DWI or anything else and ultimately searched your car or if they searched your home for any reason, there are exacting rules they must follow. When they fail to do so, anything and everything they find can be excluded from your case. Trust your determined criminal defense attorney to keep every piece of evidence that was obtained outside the boundaries of the law out of your case.  

An Experienced Heidenheimer Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard is a formidable Heidenheimer criminal defense attorney who is well equipped to build a strong defense on your behalf and to fight tirelessly for a case resolution that honors your rights. Learn more about what we can do to help by contacting us online or calling us at 254-781-4222 today.