How to Act Fast When Charged With a Crime
When you’re charged with a crime, the clock starts ticking immediately. Reacting swiftly and smartly can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case.
The most important thing you can do early on is to understand the seriousness of your circumstances. Being charged with a crime can lead to severe consequences, including fines, jail time, and a criminal record that can impact your life long-term. Acknowledge the urgency of the situation without panicking – which can sometimes be easier said than done. Clear-headed decisions are critically important from this point forward.
Here are a few steps you should take ASAP:
- Get a lawyer. One of your first actions should be to obtain legal representation. An experienced criminal defense attorney can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and develop a strategy for your defense. As attorney Ryan Beasley says, “Many people do not fully understand the seriousness or the urgency of criminal charges. If you have been arrested or investigated in connection with a crime, it is important to act quickly. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can make a major difference in the ultimate result of your case.” In other words, move with urgency.
- Preserve Evidence. Begin gathering and preserving any evidence that may be pertinent to your case. This could include photographs, videos, documents, or witness information that can support your defense. Be meticulous and organized in collecting this evidence, and hand it over to your lawyer as soon as possible.
- Understand the Legal Process. Familiarize yourself with the legal process and the timelines you’ll be working within. Your lawyer can help explain the stages of the criminal proceedings, from arraignments and pre-trial motions to the trial itself. Understanding these steps and the associated deadlines is crucial to ensuring you don’t miss opportunities to challenge evidence or file essential motions.
- Don’t Talk About Your Case. Avoid discussing your case with anyone other than your attorney. This includes conversations in person, over the phone, online, or through any form of social media. Anything you say can be used against you in court, so maintaining confidentiality is key to your defense.
- Comply With Court Orders. Ensure you comply with all legal requirements and court orders. This might involve attending all court appearances, adhering to bail conditions, or other directives from the court. Failure to comply can have negative repercussions on your case and may lead to additional charges or penalties.
- Consider the Impact. The charges against you may have implications beyond just legal fines or sentencing, affecting your employment, personal relationships, and reputation. Be proactive in managing these aspects by informing your employer (if necessary) and maintaining open communication with your family and close associates to support you during this time.
- Be Proactive in Your Defense. Work closely with your lawyer to actively participate in your defense. This can involve providing detailed information about the incident, helping to identify potential witnesses, or gathering evidence that could support your case. Being actively involved can help build a stronger defense and also give you a sense of control over the situation.
- Stay Informed and Involved. Stay informed about the developments in your case and keep in regular communication with your attorney. Being involved and knowledgeable about the legal proceedings is one of the best things you can do to make informed decisions and contribute to your defense strategy.
- Take Care of Your Mental Health. Facing criminal charges can be an incredibly stressful experience. It’s important to take care of your mental and emotional well-being during this time. Consider seeking support from a mental health professional, joining a support group, or finding healthy outlets for your stress and anxiety. Even just integrating healthy habits like exercise, good sleep, and better nutrition and hydration can be a huge help. (Likewise, eliminating bad habits, such as drinking, smoking, and excessive social media usage can put your mind and body in a much better place to withstand the pressures of the situation you find yourself in.)
Adding it All Up
There’s nothing frivolous about being charged with a crime – regardless of whether you know you’re innocent or guilty. These are serious accusations with serious, long-term consequences. By acting quickly and judiciously, you can ensure your best interests are protected and that you can achieve the best possible outcome. Don’t delay or procrastinate – take action!