Our firm understands that being charged with a criminal offense can be one of the most unsettling and daunting occurrences to happen to an individual. Nothing can prepare you for an arrest and subsequent stay at the local police station while awaiting questioning or for formal criminal charges to be brought against you or a family member. And if you have never been through this process before, your first inclination might be to make a statement in the hopes that they will set you free. This would be your first mistake. Before speaking with any law enforcement personnel, you need to obtain legal representation from an experienced Chicago criminal lawyer. DO NOT DISCUSS YOUR CASE WITH ANYONE INCLUDING LAW ENFORCEMENT UNTIL YOU HAVE AN ATTORNEY PRESENT TO PROTECT YOUR INTEREST AND PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE!
Whether you are the target of an investigation by a state or federal law enforcement agency or you have been formally arrested and charged, there are important steps you can take to protect your rights, freedom and reputation. Police officers and detectives know that they have a distinct advantage when dealing with an unrepresented arrestee who might have only a limited understanding of his or her rights. Damaging admissions or inconsistent statements often become key components in a prosecutor’s case. If you refuse to speak with the police and immediately assert your rights to have an attorney present, this is the best way to protect your future. When you are represented by legal counsel prior to charges being filed, your criminal defense lawyer in Chicago can protect your interest during interrogations, searches, lineups and other aspects of the pre-charge investigation process.