Being arrested and charged with a crime is an incredibly terrifying experience. Often, a person ends up in a holding cell or in a city/county jail with no idea what to do next. In these situations, it is crucial for a person who is facing charges or their family members to contact an attorney as soon as possible. There are various reasons why a person needs to contact an attorney the day they are arrested and charged with a crime. Here, we will discuss the steps an attorney will take immediately after being retained as well as what they will do throughout the entire case on behalf of their client.
Your Attorney can Influence the Prosecutor’s Discretion
If you have already been charged with a crime, or you suspect that charges will be forthcoming, your attorney will be an invaluable asset. During this period of time, prosecutors are usually still making charging decisions. Even if they have already charged the person with the crime, it is not uncommon for them to take time to decide whether or not to bring more charges. An attorney can get involved and help influence the prosecutor’s discretion when it comes to filing certain charges or the severity of the charges.
Your Attorney Will Handle all Communication With Other Parties
An attorney will handle all communication on behalf of their client. If you are the defendant in a criminal case, the less you say, the better off you will be. The more a person talks to prosecutors or law enforcement officials, the more likely they are to say something that could jeopardize their freedom. Prosecutors or police officers may try to talk to somebody “informally” about their case in an effort to get them to make a confession. This may seem like casual conversation, but it is not. An attorney needs to be the one to handle all communication with prosecutors and law enforcement officials.
Your Attorney Will Continually Monitor the Status of the Case
An attorney will continue to monitor every aspect of your case. It can take weeks, months, or even years for a criminal case to proceed through the court system. During this time, an attorney will keep their client up to date on every part of the case, including any changes or upcoming court dates.
Your Attorney can Explain the Charges and Penalties
When a person is facing criminal charges, this can be a terrifying experience. It is crucial for the defendant to have somebody by their side who can explain the charges against them as well as the potential penalties if a conviction is handed down. Most people do not work well when there is an information vacuum, and an attorney will seek to answer every question you may have about your potential case and the outcome.
Your Attorney can Begin Building a Strong Case on Your Behalf
The earlier an attorney gets involved in the case, the quicker they can start building a strong defense strategy on your behalf. Your attorney needs to know everything, and they need to be able to intervene with law enforcement officials and prosecutors from the start. When an attorney has the chance to review everything in your case beginning right after your arrest and charges, they will be in a much better position to craft a solid defense strategy in an effort to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed.