Protecting Your Rights When Facing Criminal Charges in California
If you are facing criminal charges, the experience can be highly stressful, frightening, and confusing. After being arrested or receiving paperwork that state criminal charges are being filed against you, you may have many questions and concerns with respect to the allegations and how this situation will affect your future.
Navigating the criminal justice system can be a daunting process, and it is easy to find yourself behind bars if you do not have the right legal representation. After you have been made aware of the charges, consider seeking the legal support of an experienced law firm. Here, we will discuss important information you should consider when protecting your rights when facing criminal charges.
What are Miranda Rights?
When a police officer or other law enforcement agent wants to question you while you are in custody, they will first inform you of your Miranda rights. Under these rights, you have the right to remain silent as any statement you make can be used against you in the case. You are also made aware that you have the right to have an attorney present when being questioned as well as the right to have a lawyer appointed if you are unable to afford one. When the police agency has failed to advise you of your rights, all statements you have made while questioned will be inadmissible as evidence in the case.
Know Your Rights After an Arrest in California
Once arrested, you have the legal right to remain silent and you also have the right to have legal representation. In the event that you are being pressured to speak to officers to provide information without an attorney present, this is a violation of your rights, by asserting your Fourth Amendment right, you have the right to remain silent. Providing any information without having an attorney present can be one of the most serious mistakes you can make.
As previously mentioned, any statements made to law enforcement can be used against you. In a majority of criminal cases, some of the most damaging evidence is derived from the defendant’s own statements.
When Facing Criminal Charges, Hire the Support of a Law Firm Experienced in Criminal Defense
When facing criminal charges, it is critical to act quickly and seek the legal representation of a law firm that is familiar with the extreme financial and emotional distress that can arrive when being arrested, charged, or investigated with a crime. Criminal cases have the potential to affect one’s reputation, personal finances, and even your personal freedom. Moreover, these allegations can also affect your loved ones and have an impact on your overall quality of life. Don’t face these challenges alone, consider seeking the legal counsel of a highly experienced law firm to represent you.
The attorneys at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP have many years of experience aggressively litigating on behalf of their clients and exhaust every available avenue to reach favorable outcomes. Navigating the legal system can be a very intimidating and stressful feat; the attorneys at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP have the necessary experience needed to handle the toughest criminal defense cases across the State of California. Contact the law firm today for a free case evaluation.
Stephen Levine, is a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Defense — an honor achieved by only the top criminal law attorneys in California. Mr. Levine has over 40 years of experience in criminal defense and family law serving Southern California, and is a highly regarded Super Lawyer as well as AV Rated attorney.