Criminal Attorneys & DWI Lawyers in Covington, New Orleans, and Shreveport Louisiana

12Nov

Do I Need A Lawyer If I Haven’t Been Caught Yet?

Are you wondering: do I need a lawyer if I haven’t been caught yet? This post will answer all your questions regarding hiring a lawyer if you have not yet been caught doing something illegal. So read on to learn everything you need to know!

Do I need a lawyer
Do I need a lawyer if I haven’t been caught yet?

Should I Hire A Lawyer If I Haven’t Been Caught?

The world of law is very interesting and often confusing, especially if you have found yourself on the wrong side of the law. Whether you’ve committed a crime knowingly or unknowingly, are a suspect or under investigation, or have been falsely accused of the crime in question, the best thing to do is hire a lawyer as quickly as possible.

One of the best things that you can do whenever the law is involved is find a lawyer as quickly as possible. The right to counsel and the right to an attorney is yours far before they are read to you in the Miranda Rights, so don’t be afraid to speak to a lawyer and retain their services. There are several reasons why you should and this article is going to break down the advantages of hiring a lawyer, even if you don’t think you need one.

Why Should You Hire A Lawyer?

No matter the situation with a crime, even if you haven’t been caught, you have a case. Whether you end up getting caught or not (and most of the time you certainly will be caught), lawyers are going to be reviewing that case to either get you off with no charges, or on a reduced punishment. 

The earlier they can take on the case and understand what is happening with you, then the higher the chance of you getting reduced punishment during the court case. Lawyers are focusing on proactive and preventative measures, and you should always have a lawyer present during any interaction regarding your case- especially with law enforcement. 

They will be able to review your case and in some cases they can focus on their ‘Pre-Arrest’ procedures. If your lawyer has enough time and information about the case, they might be able to negotiate to where you aren’t even arrested for the crime. Plus, it gives your lawyer time to formulate a defense for you if you are arrested in the future.

Is Hiring A Lawyer An Admission of Guilt?

Some people who have committed crimes and haven’t been caught try to stay away from the law as much as possible. They think that seeking out a lawyer is an admission of guilt, because only guilty people need lawyers, right?

Well, everyone can seek out counsel and help without being connected to a crime, and even if you are guilty, you are given the right to a lawyer. Lawyers have defended all types of people, including those that are extremely guilty, but the lawyers aren’t the ones who condemn you for innocence or guilt. The jury is the one that will do that. 

So no, hiring a lawyer no matter your situation is a good idea. Plus it isn’t an admission of guilt, in fact it is the smartest thing that you can do, because most lawyers have heard people say that ‘they should have come to get a lawyer sooner!’

Know Your Rights

Whether you have been arrested, are under investigation, or are just trying to stay low, then the best thing to do is know your rights. Aside from talking to a lawyer as soon as possible, you can also refuse to talk to the police if they do not have a warrant or show up at your door. You can also refuse to answer any questions until your lawyer is present, and law enforcement is only able to legally get your name and address without a warrant.

Additionally, you should only speak about the case with your lawyer. Family and friends could be asked to testify in court, and since they can’t lie under oath, anything you say can and will be held against you. 

Consultation

We offer a Paid Consultation for those who may have questions regarding criminal charges. This can be very helpful to those who just want to have a good discussion about a situation, but don’t necessarily need to hire a lawyer, or aren’t sure if they need an attorney.  There are many topics and issues we can help with. Importantly, everything we discuss is confidential. If this is what you need, just click here to schedule a paid consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.

Conclusion: Do I Need A Lawyer If I Haven’t Been Caught Yet

Being knowledgeable about your rights can prevent you from making mistakes or getting yourself into some serious hot water. Since one of those rights is to hire a lawyer, then you should hire a lawyer as soon as possible once you are connected with a crime. Whether you are caught or not, the process is going to be the same, so contact a lawyer before you need too, and it might just keep you out of jail.

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Louisiana DWI & Criminal Lawyers

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Louisiana criminal lawyers and DWI attorneys at the Barkemeyer Law Firm providing legal defense services for clients in Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston, Tangipahoa, Port Allen, Alexandria, New Orleans, Lafayette, Metairie, Kenner, Gretna, Hahnville, Chalmette, Slidell, St. Tammany, St. Charles, St. John, St. Bernard, Mandeville, Covington, Shreveport, Bossier, Jefferson, and all of Louisiana.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is not formal legal advice nor does it create an attorney-client relationship.

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