Do you think you are going to be charged with a crime?
You may have heard they are looking for you. You may have been arrested, but not formally charged. They may have arrested you and then let you go, but they told you to “stay close” while they continue to investigate. You may be anxious and worried about what is going to happen next. If you think you are suspected of a crime, you should be worried. You may think there is nothing that you can do, but there is. Be proactive if you want the best result:
- You always have the right to remain silent. The 5th Amendment guarantees your right not to say anything past simple identification information. It is common in Mississippi for police to aggressively question a person, and to pressure you for answers. Police are even allowed to lie to you in Mississippi to get answers from you. Your best bet is to exercise your right to remain silent, at least until you can get a lawyer involved.
- You have the right to an attorney. If you are questioned by law enforcement, understand that you are only required to give them simple identification information. You are strongly advised to then politely tell them that you must have your lawyer present before you will answer any further questions. This will likely be the hardest thing you will have to do by yourself in your case.
Do not try to do it yourself.
This phase of your case is crucial. Do not rely on the concept the police will try to push on you that “it is all a big misunderstanding” and that you can clear it all up by telling them what happened. That almost always is a big mistake. You are strongly advised to get a lawyer. It does not have to be Clarence, but you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer to contest their allegations and false accusations and ensure charges are not brought. It is much easier (and less expensive) to get the case dismissed early than to have to put yourself through a trial in order to be found innocent.
Are you under investigation by a federal grand jury?
If you learn that you are under investigation by a federal agency, and need representation before the federal grand jury, we can help you.
What can we do for you at this stage?
Our firm’s primary mission if hired at this stage is to prevent criminal charges from being filed against you. If you hire us, we will do your talking for you, and try to get the prosecutor to drop the case or to pursue alternate remedies instead of formal charges. We will do our best to point out the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and to push your defense so that your case will be resolved without it ever getting to court. If formal charges have not been filed, you may have an opportunity to get a skilled and experienced attorney to stop your case before it gets started. If you have any questions, give us a call at 601-991-1099 or toll free at 866-991-1555, or email Clarence directly at clarence@guthriefirm.com. We are here to help, at any time.
