Being charged with a criminal offense can be overwhelming initially, but having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your team can help you assess the charges against you and prepare a solid defense against them. However, you shouldn’t always wait until charges are filed to consult an attorney in Pawtucket, RI, as other instances could require legal counsel to protect your rights.

5 Situations to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney in Pawtucket, RI

You Are Being Charged With a Crime 

Whether you’ve been notified that misdemeanor or felony charges have been filed against you, you will need legal counsel to help navigate the process ahead. It’s important to immediately seek legal representation once charges have been filed if you haven’t already secured a lawyer. Your attorney will fight on your behalf by explaining the legal process, gathering evidence, preparing a defense strategy, and accompanying you to interrogations and court dates.

You Are Being Interrogated

If members of law enforcement have detained you for interrogation in connection with a crime, you have a right to legal representation present at the time of the interview. Anything you say during an interrogation can be used against you in court. Having a defense attorney present can ensure your Miranda rights are observed and you don’t provide any information that could later be used by the prosecution to build a case against you. 

You Have Been Served With a Search Warrant

Presentation of a search warrant can be an indicator that there is a criminal investigation underway and that a court has deemed there is sufficient evidence to justify a search of your property and belongings. It’s also a sign that you need a defense attorney if you don’t already have one. Not only can an attorney protect your rights during search warrant service, but they can also help you get back any belongings that are seized. 

You Are Under Criminal Investigation

You could be under criminal investigation, even if you haven’t been questioned or charged with alleged crimes. If you have reason to believe that you are under investigation for criminal activity, it’s wise to seek legal representation immediately to ensure you’re prepared for the process. Consulting with a lawyer can help them prepare to defend against the charges by doing things like creating a strategy or seeking exculpatory evidence.

You Have Been Presented With a Plea Deal

Sometimes, defendants are presented with plea deals soon after being charged with committing crimes. Pressure may be applied on a defendant to accept a deal, even if doing so is not in their best interest. Having legal counsel can be helpful in those situations, as your attorney can review the deal, assess your chances of conviction if the case goes to trial, and advise you whether the plea deal offers a better path forward than trying the case in court.

If you believe you may be under investigation for a crime, or you’ve already been questioned and charged, you need to secure legal counsel immediately to protect your rights. To consult with an experienced attorney regarding potential criminal charges against you, contact Brian D. Roman, Attorney at Law in North Attleboro, MA, today.