Do I Need An Attorney If This Is My First Time Getting Arrested?
If you’ve recently been arrested and it is your first time getting arrested, you might wonder whether hiring a criminal defense attorney is necessary. Getting the answer to the question, “Do I need an attorney if this is my first time getting arrested?” from a criminal defense attorney might seem like you are getting a biased response. But the reality is that it is in your best interest to hire a criminal defense attorney even if you’ve never been arrested before. As someone who has never been arrested before, you might not understand your rights as a criminal suspect. An attorney can help you understand your rights and ensure those rights are protected. A skilled criminal defense attorney will also thoroughly investigate your arrest, the evidence the police have against you, and your overall case. Additionally, an attorney will help create a defense strategy suited to your case if you are charged.
Your Rights as a Criminal Suspect
If you’ve been arrested for a crime, you should know that you have the right to legal counsel. Apart from this right, you have several other rights. The following are some of the other rights you have as a criminal suspect;
- The right to be considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt
- The right to remain silent and be free from self-incrimination
- The right to be free from discrimination
- The right to an interpreter
- The right to prepare a defense if charged
A qualified criminal defense attorney can help you understand your rights as a criminal suspect. An attorney can help protect you and ensure none of your rights are violated.
Investigating Your Arrest, Evidence, and Your Case
An attorney can help investigate whether your arrest was legal. Did the police have probable cause to arrest you? It is against the law for police officers to make an arrest without probable cause. An attorney will help investigate whether the evidence the police have against you was obtained legally or whether there is enough evidence to prosecute you. If, for example, the police conducted an illegal search, your attorney may be able to have the evidence that was gathered through that illegal search suppressed. If there isn’t enough evidence to prosecute you, your attorney may be able to prevent formal charges from being filed against you.
Developing a Defense Strategy
Suppose there is enough evidence to prosecute you, and formal charges are filed against you. In that case, an experienced defense attorney can customize a defense strategy to enable you to achieve a positive outcome. If you go at it alone, you may not know all the defenses available in your case. There may also be mitigating factors that can prevent you from facing harsh consequences if you are convicted that you may not know about.
Contact an NYC Criminal Attorney
If you’ve been arrested, it is in your best interest to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Do not wait to contact an attorney, as waiting could prove harmful to your case. Our skilled and dedicated NYC criminal defense attorney, Mark I. Cohen, is ready to help you. Contact us today at 212-732-0002 to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.
Source:
law.cornell.edu/wex/mitigating_factor#:~:text=Any%20fact%20or%20circumstance%20that,good%20deeds%2C%20among%20many%20others
