If you believe the police are investigating you for a crime, you probably have many questions and concerns. You don’t have to wait until they arrest you to seek legal help. There are a few ways an attorney can help you before an arrest.
Act as a shield
Although an attorney can’t make the investigation disappear overnight in most cases, he or she can step between you and the police. You need an advocate who knows the laws and can fight for you. An attorney can protect your privacy and reduce harassment from the police. Investigators will have to go through your attorney for information.
Anytime the police question you, you have the right to stay silent and the right to have your lawyer there for guidance. This will also lessen the chances of accidentally saying something incriminating. The police are very good at getting information from a suspect and are even allowed to lie to you and trick you into saying something. Your lawyer can prevent that from happening.
Give you peace of mind
You will feel better knowing you have someone in your corner fighting to protect your rights. Depending on the case, the process can move very fast or very slow. Your lawyer can explain what is happening at every stage, so you know what to expect. You can make informed decisions about your case when you have someone there to explain your options.
Negotiate on your behalf
Law enforcement is already preparing a case against you. Having your attorney working on your behalf helps level the playing field. Your lawyer can start investigating the case right away and even negotiate for lower charges. In some cases, your lawyer may even be able to convince authorities not to bring any charges. Even if law enforcement does decide to arrest you, your attorney will be ready to fight on your behalf immediately.
No one wants to be the subject of a criminal investigation. You don’t have to face your fight alone, however. Having a lawyer by your side from the start can make a world of difference.
