A felony is the most serious type of crime.
If you have been charged with a crime, you will likely find yourself in a state of shock and dismay — particularly if that crime is a felony, the most serious of criminal charges. You likely will not know what to do next, even if this isn’t the first time that you have been charged with a crime. As experienced criminal attorneys in Los Angeles, CA, we understand that many of our clients who are facing felony charges have significant anxiety when they are charged with an offense. That is why we have put together a list of tips for what you can do if you have been charged with a California felony.
Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
The first and most important thing that you should do is exercise your right to remain silent. The Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution gives all of us this right — and you should use it to protect yourself and your ability to defend yourself. Refuse to answer any questions without a lawyer present, and inform the police that you are exercising this right. However, make sure that you are calm and polite when doing so. While the police may not treat you with respect and you may be frustrated by being falsely accused, staying respectful can help you in the long run. Resisting, getting hostile and losing your cool can make you seem guilty even if you are innocent.
Ask for a Lawyer Immediately
In addition to exercising your right to remain silent, you should also ask for your attorney in clear, unequivocal terms: “I want a lawyer.” Having a criminal attorney in Los Angeles, CA on your side can mean the difference between being convicted of a felony charge and having the charges reduced or even dismissed. Do not talk to the police or anyone else without your lawyer present.
Be Honest with Your Lawyer
While it may be difficult to speak to your lawyer about the details of your case, remember that your criminal attorney in Los Angeles, CA is on your side. He or she is bound by the rules of the profession to keep your confidences; this is known as the attorney-client privilege. Being honest will help your attorney do the best possible job defending you.
Avoid Talking about Your Case with Others
If you have been charged with a felony, chances are good that other people have found out about it. Your alleged crime may have even made the local news. While it may be tempting to try to explain yourself to others or simply to vent to family or friends, avoid this temptation. Although your conversations with your attorney are confidential, the same is not true of your family and friends (with the exception of your spouse). If you tell a friend about what happened, he or she may be called to testify against you — which is definitely not an ideal situation.
If you have been charged with a felony offense in California, you will need an experienced criminal attorney in Los Angeles, CA to defend you. Contact the Chambers Law Firm today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation or to learn more about how we can help.
