If you were arrested in Texas, you may be wondering what to do next. Many people make mistakes after getting arrested that could ultimately impact the type of charges they could face later on. Unfortunately, many people do not know their legal rights as American citizens and forget that anything they do or say could become incriminating.
If you have been arrested in Brazoria County, you need to act quickly and hire a criminal defense attorney in Texas to represent you. At The Law Offices of Keith G. Allen, PLLC, we are committed to defending our clients and ensuring your rights are upheld throughout the entire legal process.
Talking to Police Without a Lawyer Present
Are you wondering what not to do when arrested? The number one rule everyone should know and follow is to never talk to the police without having your lawyer present. Texas arrest procedure gives you the perfect opportunity to request legal representation before law enforcement can legally interrogate you.
People often make the mistake of believing that requesting a lawyer will make them look guilty. But, the reality is that this is a very standard precaution to take so that you don’t say something you shouldn’t or answer questions that the police have no right to ask.
Consenting to Searches Without a Warrant
No matter the charges, you still maintain your rights after being arrested in Texas. Because of this, there are certain things that you should never give police permission to do. One example of this is consenting to a search without the police having a warrant for the search.
Even if you have nothing to hide, it is still a good idea to withhold your consent until you are able to talk to a lawyer for criminal defense charges in Texas. After all, you have to remember that police officers are specifically looking for incriminating evidence; they aren’t looking for evidence to prove that you are innocent.
Depending on the situation and the possible charges, there are also many things that could be misinterpreted that could ultimately hurt your case.
Posting About the Arrest on Social Media
In the age of technology, it is common for people to want to post about getting arrested on social media. However, this is one of the worst things you can do anytime you are facing criminal charges.
Later on as your case progresses, it is very likely that your online activity will be taken into account, such as the things you have been posting online. Anything you have posted or said online could easily be misinterpreted or twisted to sound like you are saying something that you never intended to say.
Additionally, you should never assume that anything you post or say online is confidential, even if it is private or you delete your activity.
Missing Court Dates or Failing to Follow Conditions
When you are suspected of a crime in Texas, you will most likely have to attend court dates and follow specific conditions. These are things that you should never ignore, as following what a judge has said and respecting the law is a legal necessity. Ignoring these things will not only reflect poorly on your case, but they can result in you being fined or even having to spend time in jail.
You could also face a license suspension and it is very likely that the judge will issue a warrant for your arrest so that you have to physically show up in court.
Assuming the Charges Will Be Dropped Automatically
It is easy for people who are innocent to assume that any charges will be dropped automatically after they have been released from police custody. The reality is that this is not usually the case.
You need to be proactive when it comes to protecting your rights, even if you don’t believe the charges are serious. Remember, no matter how small the charges may initially seem, they can come with devastating repercussions.
Take the additional step of hiring a criminal defense attorney to legally represent you and guide you through the next steps of this process. Not only can a criminal defense attorney help you understand the situation, but they can also help you create a defense strategy so that you have a better chance of having the charges dropped.
For the Best Criminal Defense in Texas, Contact The Law Offices of Keith G. Allen, PLLC
If you have been arrested in Texas and don’t know what to do next, there are certain mistakes you should avoid making. Although many laws are in place to protect you, the legal system as a whole is flawed, and you want to make sure you are protecting yourself throughout this process.
At The Law Offices of Keith G. Allen, PLLC, we have extensive experience handling criminal defense cases in Brazoria County and other parts of Texas. We will protect your rights and represent your case, ensuring police do not overstep legal bounds and you do not accidentally incriminate yourself. If you are looking for compassionate and experienced criminal defense representation, contact us today at 832-230-0075 for a free consultation.
FAQ Section
Should I speak to the police if I know I’m innocent?
No matter how innocent you are in the situation, you should never speak to the police about the supposed crime. Police officers will try to talk to you in order to gather evidence to show that you have committed a crime, they are not speaking to you to establish your innocence.
Can I refuse a search request from an officer in Texas?
If a Texas police officer does not have a court-ordered search warrant, you have every right to refuse to be searched. This applies to having your person, vehicle, home, or any other type of personal property search.
What happens if I miss a court date after an arrest?
If you fail to show up for your designated court date, the judge has the right to forfeit any bail that you have posted and issue a warrant for your arrest. Missing court dates or disregarding court orders can also result in hefty fines and required jail time.
