What Should I Do If I’m Facing Criminal Charges?

If you’re facing criminal charges in Durham, NC, the steps you take now will make a big difference to the outcome of your case. Your first step should be to call in experienced criminal defense support right away.

Forming Your Criminal Defense in Durham, NC

Stay Quiet

You have the right to stay quiet under the Fifth Amendment, and you should, because anything you say can be used against you later (and will be). Ask for a lawyer at once and stop talking until one arrives.

The police must tell you about this right before they question you while you are in custody. Note that you can still face arrest even if they skip the warning, but any statements they get from you if they didn’t give the warning are unlikely to hold up in court.

Don’t Consent (But Don’t Resist)

Never consent to searches of your home, car, or phone unless officers show you they have a valid warrant. You can refuse any search that lacks proper legal grounds, and if they search without a warrant or probable cause, your lawyer can later ask the court to exclude any evidence they find.

You need to be clear that you’re not giving permission for a search. Say it out loud several times so that any body cameras will pick it up, but do not resist, fight, or get visibly angry. Just be firm and clear, then let them do what they’re going to do. Your lawyer will sort it out.

Call a Lawyer

The minute you realize that you’re being charged (and even if you just start to suspect it), call a lawyer. The faster your lawyer can speak with prosecutors, protect evidence, and stop you from making statements that close down your options, the better your chances at a good outcome.

Tell the lawyer every detail of your contact with police while it is still fresh in your mind and hand over any documents, messages, or names of people who saw what happened.

Write Down Everything

Once you’re able to do so, write down everything you remember while it’s still fresh. Include the time and place, the names of officers, what they said, and any witnesses nearby. Keep this record private and give it only to your lawyer.

Do not share this or any other information with friends, family, or cellmates, and do not post anything about the case on social media or even text about it. Those words can reach the prosecutor and hurt your position.

Follow Your Bond

If you get released on bond, follow every condition of your release to the letter. Pay attention to stay-away orders, travel limits, and reporting rules and remember that missing a court date or breaking a condition can bring on new charges and higher bond.

Ask your lawyer to explain each condition in plain terms before you leave custody to be sure you understand what to do (or not do).

If you’ve been accused of a crime, don’t wait: call Frasier & Griffin in Durham or Raleigh now at 919-205-2258. We’re aggressive attorneys with a long history of serving the people of North Carolina. 

Tags: Criminal defense, Criminal Defense Attorneys
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