So You’ve been Arrested. Who do You Call?
- Your mom
- Your spouse
- Your best friend
- Your cousin’s wife’s ex-boyfriend, who’s an attorney
If you guessed 4, you’re right!
Now, that may seem like an unlikely choice, and we do recommend calling an attorney who comes with a few more accolades and who has a strong reputation. But, your first call after an arrest should always be to a criminal defense attorney.
This is because early intervention is key when it comes to fighting your case, ensuring you don’t incriminate yourself, and helping you get your case dropped, dismissed, or at least your charges — and punishment — lowered.
Need a Good Criminal Defense Attorney? CALL NOW: 213-932-8922
Why Should I Hire an Attorney Immediately?
It doesn’t matter if you’re charged with a minor offense or a serious felony, an attorney in your corner will make all of the difference in the world. There are several ways a skilled defense attorney can help you, including:
- Give you expert advice on how to proceed during the criminal investigation.
- Assess whether law enforcement acted legally during your arrest and pre-arrest investigation.
- Negotiate with the prosecutor and/or judge.
- Represent you in court.
- Make sure you receive a fair trial.
- Attorneys know how to negotiate settlements and plea deals.
- Challenging incriminating evidence against you.
When Should I Call an Attorney?
You should call an attorney ASAP after being arrested because you’ll likely be taken in front of a judge within 48 hours of your arrest for your arraignment. Arraignments are full of legal jargon and procedures and are not something you should try to navigate on your own.
Your attorney will make sure you understand the charges against you and provide you with legal guidance on how to best proceed, including what type of plea to enter, negotiating a plea deal, and preserving important evidence to help you build a strong defense.
How Do I Hire a Lawyer Once I’ve Already Arrested?
Federal law requires arrestees to be given access to legal representation before questioning. This means you should not give any information or answer any police questions without an attorney present. As soon as you’re arrested, tell the police you’d like to speak to an attorney.
This is critically important because everything you say to the police can — and will — be used to build a case against you. Of course, conducting research into “attorneys near me” while you’re being held in jail is not easy and somewhat impossible. This is why we urge you strongly to keep the contact information of a criminal defense attorney in your phone, so you can have it on hand at all times.
If, for some reason, you don’t have your phone with you at the time of your arrest, knowing the name of a trusted criminal defense attorney near you will help you be able to tell the investigators who you’d like to call.
Choosing the Right Attorney
Choosing the right attorney is another key element of winning your case. Here’s what you should consider when hiring an attorney:
- Their legal training, background, and experience. There’s no sense calling an immigration attorney if you’ve been arrested for DUI.
- How much the attorney charges and their options for payment.
- The number of cases the attorney currently has on their plate.
How Much Does Hiring an Attorney Cost?
The cost to hire a criminal defense attorney depends on their experience, the law firm, and how complex your case is. Other factors include whether you only need a consultation, a one-time court appearance, or full representation throughout a jury trial. Most attorneys charge by the hour, but some charge flat fees as well.
Speak with an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Being convicted of a crime comes with some life-altering consequences, from jail time to hefty fines and a tarnished reputation. The good news is that working with a skilled attorney can help mitigate some of these damages. We can’t stress enough how vitally important it is to retain a skillful attorney to fight your case ASAP. We’re here to help. Give us a call if you or your loved one has been arrested in Southern California. Yuliya Kelmansky is an Expert Criminal Defense Attorney who has over 15 years of practice defending a variety of criminal cases.
Need a Criminal Defense Attorney? CALL NOW: 213-932-8922
Yuliya Kelmansky is an Expert Criminal Defense Attorney who has over 15 years of practice defending a variety of criminal cases.
