Being arrested and charged with a felony offense is one of the most serious experiences you can go through – and one of the most stressful. Given the severity of a felony charge and the potential penalties associated with a conviction, it’s important to do everything within your power to protect your rights.
Protecting yourself after an arrest in Flint should begin immediately. Contacting an experienced criminal defense attorney and taking other steps can help you achieve the most favorable outcome possible.
Five Steps to Take Immediately to Protect Your Rights
If officials have charged you with a felony, what you do next can influence every part of the case that follows. The first few hours and days after an arrest in Genesee County are critical. Here’s what to do – and what not to do – to protect your rights and start laying the groundwork for a strong defense:
Stay Silent and Avoid Talking to Police Without a Lawyer
Your first instinct after an arrest may be to explain your side or clear up what you perceive to be a misunderstanding. However, anything you say to police or investigators can be used against you later. The best step you can take is to clearly state that you want to remain silent and that you want a lawyer present before you answer questions. This protects you from accidentally providing information that could be misinterpreted or taken out of context. Remaining silent isn’t an admission of guilt, but a constitutional right designed to protect you.
Request an Attorney Immediately
Once you invoke your right to an attorney, police must stop questioning you until your lawyer is present. A Flint criminal defense attorney can guide you through interviews and prevent you from making statements that might hurt your case. Contacting a lawyer early also gives them more time to investigate the circumstances of your arrest and identify any potential violations of your rights.
Don’t Discuss the Case with Anyone but Your Lawyer
After an arrest, it’s natural to want to talk to your family or friends about what happened. However, those conversations are not protected by confidentiality, and prosecutors can use anything you say – or even what someone else says you said – against you. The same applies to text messages and social media posts. Keeping quiet about your case prevents others from twisting or misunderstanding your words. Your attorney-client communications are private, but everything else can potentially be used in court.
Follow All Court Orders and Bail Conditions
If you are released on bond, follow every condition set by the court. Missing a hearing, contacting alleged victims, or failing a drug test can lead to additional charges or a revoked bond. By complying fully with the court’s requirements, you demonstrate your responsibility and respect for the process. It can also work in your favor during plea discussions or sentencing if the case proceeds.
Avoid Further Trouble and Stay Out of Risky Situations
Even minor police contact after an arrest can complicate your defense. Stay away from any co-defendants, locations tied to the alleged offense, or people involved in criminal activity, even if it’s unrelated. Focus on work, family, and your attorney’s guidance. Keeping a low profile helps your lawyer concentrate on the case without having to manage your new legal issues. Every step you take to stay out of trouble strengthens your position as your defense moves forward.
Contact a Flint Criminal Defense Attorney Right Away
The steps you take immediately after an arrest on felony charges are some of the most consequential decisions you’ll make during the criminal process. Reaching out to a skilled Flint criminal defense lawyer can go a long way toward providing the counsel and protection you need during this high-stakes time. The Law Office of Jodi L. Hemingway, PLLC, takes an aggressive approach in pursuing favorable outcomes for clients in Flint and the surrounding communities. Contact us today to speak with a compassionate and detail-oriented attorney about your case.
