There’s nothing more devastating than getting a phone call in the middle of the night and finding out your loved has been arrested for a crime.
In that moment, you’re confused, overwhelmed, and unable to process anything. It can be hard to believe, especially if your loved one is otherwise a law-abiding citizen.
You probably have a lot of questions like, “What happens during a booking?” and “What should I do?”
But as tough as it is, the first step to take is to take a deep breath, and then follow these guidelines:
Step # 1: Ask the Officer for Details
First things first, make sure you don’t argue with the officer. Do not verbally lash out or threaten them. This can escalate things and can land you in trouble with the law.
Do your best to stay calm and ask them for details. Ask them what they were charged for and which jail they will be taken to.
If you’re talking to your loved one on the phone, get as many details as possible. But if they start going into details about the arrest, make them stop. If they’ve been read their Miranda Rights, they could land in hot water if they disclose the details of their arrest.
Remind them they have the right to remain silent, and the right to an attorney.
Step # 2: Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
The next step to take is to hire a criminal defense lawyer. You need to make sure you’re well-aware of your loved one’s rights. This will also help you and your loved one understand the law better.
Remember that no interrogation can take place if your loved one has not been read their Miranda Rights. Secondly, cross-examinations can be daunting and officers often use scare tactics to get a confession.
A lawyer will take care of everything during the examination. They will provide your loved one the right legal advice and assistance to get through the interrogation without any problems.
Step # 3: Gather Evidence
Gather evidence with the help of the criminal defense lawyer. If your loved one has been falsely accused of a crime they didn’t commit, a lawyer can help build a strong case. They will also be able to gather evidence. They have extensive knowledge of how the law works.
Step # 4: Present the Bail Application
Your loved one will need to present a bail application in order to be released from custody. A criminal lawyer knows how to prepare the application and present it properly.
Remember that once the application is rejected, the chances of having it reheard are slim. Therefore, it’s best to leave it to an expert who has years of experience handling such cases.
If you’d like to help your loved one, give us a call at the Law Offices of Norley E. Castañeda in Suffolk County, and let us help you with the problem.
We can offer you the best possible legal representation and consultation services. Our team of professional attorneys is available for you around-the-clock. Feel free to get in touch with us now and we will evaluate your loved one’s case for free!