If you find yourself in the back of a police car – charged with a crime – it is only natural to feel helpless and at a loss regarding how best to proceed. While being charged with a crime is a frightening experience, there are fortunately some solid guidelines that can help you make informed decisions as you move forward.
Stay Silent on the Matter
If the police have charged you with a crime, they are going to be asking you questions, and you are well-advised to remain silent on the matter. While you are required to provide your name and some other administrative details, you have the right to remain silent about everything else, and it is in your best interest to do so. Anything you say can come back to haunt you later on, and the officer questioning you is well versed in obtaining the responses he or she is looking for. Do not fall into this trap.
Remain Cooperative and Polite
If you are pulled over by the police, remaining polite and cooperative is always the best policy. The officer is doing his or her job, and exhibiting signs of disrespect is simply not going to do you any good. If you are asked to take a breathalyzer test or to perform a field sobriety test, you have the right to refuse, but your refusal comes with automatic consequences such as license suspension. Either way, you will probably be heading to jail, but whatever decisions you make, be polite and courteous throughout the process. Allowing your mood to get the better of you is simply not the best path forward.
Make Getting out of Jail Your Primary Goal
If you have been charged with a crime, you are probably going to spend some time in jail. It is difficult to bring your strongest defense from a jail cell, however, so getting out of jail sooner rather than later is in your best interest (for a variety of compelling reasons). Use your phone call to contact someone who is likely to pay your bail or to contact a bail bondsman on your behalf. Further, if you believe your bail is inordinately high, you can present your case to the court in a bail reduction hearing. The judge on your case will take all the pertinent variables into careful consideration, including:
- Any prior convictions on your part
- The perceived risk that you will not show up for your hearing
- Any danger that you are perceived to pose to society.
You Need an Experienced Lawyer on Your Side
Brett Pritchard is a dedicated criminal defense lawyer who is committed to protecting your rights and resolving your case as favorably as possible. Our experienced legal team is on your side, so please do not hesitate to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 today.