Protecting Your Constitutional Rights
Many people believe that cooperating with the police during an investigation will help them avoid getting charged with a crime. The police and prosecutors are not going to drop a case just because someone is cooperative. In nearly every instance, a person should consult an attorney before speaking with the police.
It is important to remember that you have rights, and to take immediate action to protect them. An experienced attorney can help you do just that. If you're being investigated, contact Manske & Manske. Located in El Campo, Texas, we represent clients throughout Wharton, Fort Bend, Lavaca, Victoria, Jackson, Harris, Matagorda, Colorado, Austin, Calhoun, Galveston, Brazoria, Brazos, DeWitt and Travis counties.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney.
Avoiding Voluntarily Giving Evidence During a Police Search
Police officers conducting criminal investigations may try to get you to cooperate. Even if it seems like a good idea at the time, voluntarily giving evidence to the police without the assistance of a lawyer can be detrimental to your case in the future.
During any investigation or police-led search and seizure, you should proactively take steps to protect and reserve your rights until you have consulted an attorney.
- Refusing to answer questions or give statements at any time.
- Not consenting to a search of your home or car.
- If the police do have a warrant for a search, you should allow them to do their job. You are not required to assist them or make any statements during the search. In fact, to do so could actually result in additional charges.
- Do not hide anything from the police. This could also result in additional charges being brought against you.
- If you are taken into police custody, you have a right to call a lawyer and should assert that right as soon as possible.
Even if you are not taken into police custody, you should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after the police have asked you to consent to a search, have conducted a search and seizure, or asked you questions as part of a criminal investigation.
Exploring Your Criminal Defense Options After a Police Search and Seizure
Often, a suspect will not contact a lawyer until he or she has already talked to the police or consented to a search. By then, unfortunately, it may be too late. You have the constitutional right to have an attorney defend you - use it.
The attorneys of Manske & Manske can advise you on what actions to take to protect yourself prior to seeking legal advice. Contact us today to learn more about your rights and legal options.
