By Pierce Blitch & Will Dasher
When the police ask you to come to headquarters for “a few questions” or you find yourself under arrest, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But before you do anything, remember there are three things you should never do without first consulting a criminal defense lawyer. Acting without guidance can have serious consequences, so it’s crucial to know your rights and how to protect them.
1. Talking Without Legal Advice
If the police ask you to answer questions and you’re not under arrest, you might think cooperating will clear things up. But in some situations, staying silent is your best option. You can be polite and cooperative while firmly requesting to speak with your attorney before responding to any questions or participating in an interrogation.
Even if you feel you’ve done nothing wrong, your words can be used against you. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help you navigate these situations and ensure you don’t inadvertently harm your case.
2. Resisting Arrest
If you’re being arrested, it’s usually because:
· An officer witnessed you commit a crime.
· The officer has probable cause to believe you’ve committed a crime.
· A warrant has been issued for your arrest.
You have the right to humane and civilized treatment, even during an arrest. In Georgia, officers are permitted to use only the force necessary to make an arrest. Resisting—especially with physical force—can escalate the situation and may lead to the officer using force in return, including deadly force if they suspect you’re armed or posing a threat.
Staying calm and cooperating during an arrest can prevent further complications. It’s better to challenge the arrest later with the help of a lawyer than to resist in the moment.
3. Forgetting to Exercise Your Rights
You have rights during and after an arrest. It’s important to use them. You can and should ask why you’re being arrested, and the officer must inform you of the crime you’re suspected of committing.
Thanks to the Miranda decision in 1966, after being taken into custody police must inform you of your rights before questioning. These rights include the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present. Remaining silent is one of the most powerful tools you have. By exercising this right, you can avoid saying anything that could be misinterpreted or used against you. If you choose to speak, you can stop answering questions at any time.
Take Action Now!
The moments following an arrest or police questioning can shape your entire case. Taking these steps can protect your rights and set the stage for a strong defense. A criminal defense lawyer can guide you through the process and fight for the best outcome.
CALL THE Blitch Law Firm ATTORNEYS AT LAW TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR CASE
We fight for you, and we don’t back down. Every criminal charge holds potentially life-altering consequences. We don’t hold back on providing our clients the best possible criminal defense available. Nearly all the attorneys at The Blitch Law Firm are former Assistant District Attorneys, so our unique insight on how the prosecution approaches cases equips us with the ability to see the case from all sides. If you, a family member, or a close friend faces criminal charges, contact The Blitch Law Firm today at 706-434-8770 or visit us at 7004 Evans Town Center Blvd., Third Floor, Evans, Georgia 30809 to discuss your unique case and our creative defense strategies with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys.
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