6 Reasons Why You Need Legal Counsel When Facing a Criminal Investigation in Florida
Being under criminal investigation can be overwhelming, especially if you believe you’ve done nothing wrong. Many people assume that hiring a lawyer at this stage is unnecessary, but that is far from the truth. You need to hire a criminal defense lawyer immediately after you learn that you are under a criminal investigation to ensure that you and your rights are protected.
Law enforcement’s goal at this stage is to build a case against you, not clear your name, and without legal counsel you risk making mistakes that could lead to your arrest, criminal charges being filed, or even jail time. Here’s why securing a criminal defense attorney early in the process is one of the most important decisions you can make.
- Protecting Your Rights
The moment you become a person of interest or target in a criminal investigation, your rights are at risk. Law enforcement may try to obtain confessions and evidence in all manners, including infringing on your legal protections. Having an attorney representing you ensures your constitutional rights are protected throughout the process. This includes your right to remain silent and your right to legal representation.
- Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Many people make the mistake of talking to the police without a lawyer in the hope that they can clear things up. However, even an innocent statement can be twisted to fit a narrative that incriminates you. As we often remind our clients, “You have the right to remain silent. Use it!” It is best to have a lawyer on your side right from the start to avoid costly mistakes such as:
- Unintentional self-incrimination
- Consenting to searches without a warrant
- Making inconsistent statements that may be used against you and hurt your credibility.
- Fact-Finding and Evidence-Preservation
A lawyer can also conduct an independent investigation to determine how much evidence law enforcement has, whether the case against you has any weaknesses, and what evidence is available that might help your case down the line. By uncovering key information your attorney may even be able to resolve the issue before it escalates to formal criminal charges.
- Navigating the Legal Process
Criminal investigations involve complex legal procedures that can be difficult to understand without professional guidance. An experienced defense attorney can help explain your rights and guide you through every stage of the process. Additionally, they can help build a strong defense strategy by identifying potential legal arguments and challenges from the early stages of your case.
- Protecting Your Reputation
Even if you ultimately don’t get charged with a crime, an investigation alone can damage your personal and professional reputation. Your attorney can manage communication with law enforcement, the government and, if necessary, even the media, to prevent misleading narratives from being shared.
- Reducing Stress and Uncertainty
It can be a stressful moment when you learn that there is a criminal investigation against you. The uncertainty of what lies ahead can take a toll on your well-being. However, with a legal advocate in your corner, you gain clarity of the situation, alleviating fear and confusion. Also, the fact that you know someone is fighting for your best interests can give you much-needed peace of mind so that you can focus on your life instead of worrying about every interaction with law enforcement.
Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Protect You
If you are facing a criminal investigation in Florida, don’t wait until charges are filed to seek legal help. Contact our experienced Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyers at Haber Blank, LLP, today to discuss your case.
