Being arrested is a serious and frightening experience, it can be confusing trying to determine the best next step in the situation. The Austin criminal defense lawyers at Granger and Mueller can help if you have been arrested. The sooner you have a lawyer on your side, the better positioned you will be to protect your rights and receive a just outcome.
When Can I Call An Attorney?
In the movies, the police always ask the arrested individual if they want to make their ‘phone call.’ Oftentimes, you see a person sitting in an interrogation room who has an attorney show up, and immediately that person stops speaking with the police. In real life, this process is more complicated than it may seem on the screen.
After being arrested, you will likely be booked at the local county jail and appear in front of a judge within 24 to 48 hours to be notified of the charges against you, set bond, and set a first court date. First, do not answer the police’s questions about what happened, why it happened, or any other information beyond what they need to properly book you (i.e., your name or date of birth). Anything you say can and will be used against you, even if you do not think it will be or it seems irrelevant. Remember, the police are more experienced at this than you are, and they know how to extract the information they need.
Second, you need to affirmatively ask for counsel. The moment that you assert that right, police need to stop questioning you and allow you to have a conversation with your attorney. However, the police may push back on you and ask if you really want to speak with a lawyer. It is crucial that you stay strong and assert your fifth amendment right to remain silent and sixth amendment right to counsel. Further, you may be unable to reach your attorney, depending on what time you were arrested. Leave a voice message and continue to ask the police to speak to your attorney once regular business hours have resumed.
Why is it Important to Call an Attorney?
- Protect your constitutional rights to remain silent, to have a fair trial, and to have an attorney.
- To prepare for interrogation and protect you from sharing certain information with the police. Police will use whatever you say against you, our experienced lawyers know how to navigate those conversations.
- The sooner you have a lawyer, the sooner they can begin working on your case. Lawyers at Granger and Mueller investigate your case, gather evidence, and ultimately use that evidence to build the best case possible.
Contact Granger and Mueller in Austin for Experienced Criminal Defense Representation
Overall, it is important to remember that the sooner you seek counsel, the better off you will be. Therefore, if you have been arrested, partner with the strongest criminal defense attorney in Travis County since 1993. We will work with you to protect you by helping you understand your rights and advocating on your behalf. Contact us at 512-474-9999 today for a free initial consultation.
