A Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer San Francisco CA Trusts Explains What You Should Do When Brought in for Police Questioning
Some of the most common questions surrounding criminal charges involve the interrogation or questioning process. When you are facing charges, it can leave you not only feeling lost but fearful as well. It may be in your best interest to obtain The Morales Law Firm for their legal advocacy, experience, and support through what is sure to be a trying time for you and your family. It’s all too common for someone being questioned to move forward with answering questions they are being asked by law enforcement out of fear for what may happen if they refuse to so. The following are common questions those dealing with possible charges may have when faced with police questioning:
Is there a difference between being questioned and an interrogation?
There can be a substantial difference between an interview or questioning and an interrogation. In most cases, police questioning is utilized to gather information regarding a criminal case they are in the process of investigating. In some situations, the person being questioned may have witnessed the crime or have relevant information that pertains to the investigation. At times, questioning someone can lead them to their possible suspect. An interview may turn into an interrogation based on your responses during questioning. This is especially true if law enforcement begins to suspect that the person they are speaking with committed the crime. Interrogations are utilized to gather information and also to elicit a confession from the person they are speaking with.
If I confess to a crime that I didn’t commit, can a federal criminal defense lawyer help me?
It can be terrifying to be questioned by law enforcement, especially if you are already shaken up by the recent crime or event that may have taken place. Sometimes, traumatic events can cause people to behave irrationally. In some cases, it can cause someone to confess to a crime that they did not commit. This is a primary reason why it is vital that you contact a federal criminal defense lawyer from the start. They can keep a level head during questioning by law enforcement and direct you through the process with ease. A San Francisco CA lawyer can help you get it right from the start or do damage control in the event that you have mistakenly said something that you shouldn’t have.
How will a federal criminal defense lawyer help me during questioning?
Although you may not think a lawyer is necessary for questioning, there are some situations that require their counsel. Perhaps one of the most downplayed components to having a lawyer present is the peace of mind they can bring. It’s terrifying to face the unknown. You may be apt to answer questions a lawyer may advise against out of fear or shock at being questioned by police. A lawyer can advise you to refrain from answering certain questions in efforts to ensure that you do not say anything that gets you into more trouble. In addition, a lawyer will be vital in making sure that your rights are kept at the forefront of questioning.
Depending on the specific details of your case, your legal entanglements may be just getting started. Allow for us to bring our decades of criminal defense experience to the table when you are being questions or interrogated. A federal criminal defense lawyer San Francisco CA clients recommend from our firm can help mitigate the risk that you will say something to incriminate yourself any further.
Criminal Defense Attorneys You Can Rely On
A federal criminal defense lawyer San Francisco CA locals recommend from The Morales Law Firm can respond to your questions and concerns if you have been charged with a federal crime. Since 1991, Christopher F. Morales has protected the rights of residents in San Francisco. He can guide you through the legal process and will make every effort to effect a positive outcome for your case.
Defending Yourself Against a Criminal Charge
The nature of the crime with which you have been charged will play a huge role in whether or not you will likely be held in jail while awaiting trial. Even the thought of being in a prison cell can be overwhelming. This can be especially true if you have never spent time in jail. Regardless of your charges, a federal criminal defense lawyer San Francisco CA residents choose from our firm can help you. Your attorney may be able to arrange for bail so you go home while awaiting trial. Here are some of the most common types of criminal charges our clients face:
- DUI Cases
- Traffic Tickets
- Shoplifting
- Murder
- Drug Charges
- Assault
- White Collar Crimes
- Sex Crimes
The Criminal Court System
A skilled federal criminal defense lawyer San Francisco CA defendants trust from our firm may be able to reduce your charges, or even have them dropped. Though you have the right to a public defender at no charge, rarely do they have adequate resources to properly handle a case. Why put yourself in a position where the outcome of your case is less than optimal? Provide yourself with the greatest chance of a positive resolution. Allow Christopher F. Morales of The Morales Law Firm to assist you with this. There are a number of steps involved while navigating the criminal justice system. Depending on whether or not you plead guilty, the process will vary somewhat. A federal criminal defense lawyer in San Francisco CA can provide you with more detail specific to your circumstances, but here is some general information:
- Prior to a criminal charge, law enforcement is key in gathering enough evidence to charge a person with a crime. Once someone has been arrested, they become a part of the court system.
- Once arrested, a person must post bail in order to be released. This can vary depending on the crime. In some situations, a defendant is released with the understanding that they will attend their next court hearing. However, the judge can order the defendant to remain in jail without the possibility of posting bail.
- There will likely be a number of court appearances required depending on the type of plea a person enters and the charges against them. It will be important to work with a federal criminal defense lawyer San Francisco CA community members rely on to speak on their behalf to the court.
- During the court process, the prosecutor will present the evidence against the defendant. An attorney will be key in providing the defendant with a solid legal strategy to refute the charges if they do not plead guilty.
If you find yourself involved in the criminal justice system, you may be best served by hiring a San Francisco federal criminal defense lawyer. Although you have the right to represent yourself, that rarely works in a defendant’s favor. Learn about Can I be forced to testify as a witness in court?
Call us as soon as possible so that we can begin working on your defense case. With Christopher F. Morales of The Morales Law Firm on your side, you can feel confident in the counsel he will provide you with throughout the legal process. Call today for a free consultation with a respected federal criminal defense lawyer San Francisco CA offers.
