Call An Attorney – The first thing that you need to do after being accused of a crime is assert your right to speak with an attorney. Do not discuss your case with anyone but your attorney. Many times officers will attempt to get you to confess to a crime without you even knowing it, sometimes they will even go as low as to put an undercover officer in your cell and use the information they collect against you. Arrange Bail – Try and arrange bail as soon as possible. If you are arranging bail for a loved one, our law firm can assist with the process.
Recall What Happened –Immediately try and put together a mental list of what happened during your arrest. Many times this can be difficult but attempting to remember what took place will help your attorney and could be a determining factor in keeping you out of jail.
Don’t skimp on a lawyer
If you are falsely accused of a crime and decide to proceed to trial, don’t skimp on a lawyer. This is not the time to save money. If your finances are tight, shop at discount stores and give up steak and wine–but don’t look for bargain legal counsel. You are going to need the best lawyer you can afford. The saddest part is, your choice may come down to going into debt or going to jail for something you didn’t do. If you simply cannot afford a lawyer, public defenders are an option but public defenders are overworked and have a lot of cases, and, like all people, the stress may get them looking for the easiest and fastest solution, which may be a plea bargain.
You’re not as alone as you think you are
If you ever find yourself or a loved one falsely accused of a crime, you’ll probably feel alone and totally adrift. But keep in mind that more people than you would ever expect have found themselves in this situation. Unfortunately, an unwarranted sense of shame keeps most falsely accused individuals from sharing their stories. Don’t be afraid to do your own research on the subject of “false accusations” or to reach out to others who have been there. You will need to establish your own safety net of a very small number of individuals with whom you can confide. You are not alone. And the advice and experiences of others–especially during your ordeal–can be an invaluable resource.
Be prepared for an emotional roller coaster.
If the process of going to trial is financially costly, it’s every bit as brutal on your emotional reserves. Expect for everyone in the family to feel stress, fear, anger, and exhaustion (just to name a few) on a regular basis. And don’t worry–feeling this way is normal. There are not many resources available when you’re dealing with the wrongful prosecution of a loved one. You can never escape the stress and strain, and there are very few emotional outlets available to you. So be prepared and use the ones that you do have available.
You’ll find out who your true friends are.
If you are wrongfully accused of a crime, you’ll probably be surprised and saddened by the number of people in your life who don’t want to be involved. People whom you had considered to be friends may pull away, become distant, or even refuse to help. Unfortunately, many individuals may feel so awkward even approaching the topic that they avoid it, denying you the support you need so badly. Sadly other “friends” may assume that since you have been arrested, you are probably guilty. This can leave you bitterly disappointed by abandonment and betrayal. Don’t dwell on the loss, instead accept and be even more grateful to the ones who stuck by your side.
If you haven’t hired an experienced lawyer regarding these matters, then give Tom a call. Criminal Defense Attorney Thomas P. Matthews has been protecting the rights of San Diego Citizens for over Over 30 Years call (619) 236-3400.