How to avoid helping the prosecution

On Behalf of | Oct 21, 2019 | Murder Charges |

At The Law Office of The Law Office of Massey McClusky Fuchs & Ballenger The Law Office of Massey McClusky Fuchs & Ballenger The Law Office of Massey McClusky Fuchs & Ballenger & The Law Office of Massey McClusky Fuchs & Ballenger, there is one thing that we wish everybody knew before they came to our office with a criminal defense case. It is simple: You will probably not reach a favorable compromise by yourself. 

You are, of course, an important part of your own defense. You have a critical role to play. However, contrary to what the police officers and Tennessee prosecutors may have you believe, that role will probably not be dealmaker, negotiator or self-advocate. So, what does this mean for you?

The safest policy in nearly every criminal defense situation, beginning with the earliest stages of the investigation, is for you as a suspected individual to remain silent and request legal representation. These are more than simply line items in your Miranda rights. They are fundamental liberties and among the most powerful tools you have for protecting your freedom.

State representatives conduct multiple stages of investigations. However, even the earliest ones are serious. One common tactic is for government personnel to downplay the seriousness of your situation. For example, they may tell you that hiring an attorney would escalate matters. Make no mistake: if you hear this from a police officer or investigator, it is highly likely that you already need legal counsel. 

Hiring an attorney is not an admission of guilt. Compare that with signing a deal prepared by the state’s attorney: That could be an admission of guilt, depending on the terms. In any case, you probably want a perspective other than that of the people who are attempting to investigate, arrest, prosecute, incarcerate or even execute you. Please continue on our main website to read more.

Archives

RSS Feed

FindLaw Network