Being accused of a crime is one of the most terrifying things that can happen to an individual. If this happens to you, there is no question that you should hire a lawyer. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help manage your defense, protect your rights, and ensure that you are treated fairly by the judicial system.
When Should You Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?
It is important that you hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as you are accused of a crime and speak with law enforcement. This is the case regardless of what crime you are suspected in, be it something as relatively minor as reckless driving or driving while under the influence or something more serious, like domestic violence or drug offenses.
There are many reasons for this. First of all, you want to make sure you don't say something that could accidentally incriminate yourself, incriminate someone else, or be used against you at a later date. That is not to say that you shouldn't be completely truthful with law enforcement, but you should know your legal rights and only answer questions under the advice of counsel. Even if you are innocent of the crime you have been accused of, you could accidentally say something which can be interpreted as an admission of guilt or not being truthful to law enforcement.
Know What Your Legal Rights Are
More importantly, a criminal defense attorney can advise you of your legal rights and provide counsel based on their expertise when it comes to making legal decisions. Unless you are an attorney, you likely will not have the experience, knowledge, or relationships of a criminal defense attorney. An attorney can help make a determination about the best path forward for you, including whether or not you should risk going to trial or pleading guilty to a lesser crime. These are not minor considerations - they can have a major impact on your freedom, wallet, and future career success. As such, you should take these decisions seriously and make them in conjunction with an expert Fairfax criminal defense attorney who understands your legal situation.
If you live in Fairfax County and need a Fairfax criminal defense attorney, contact the Law Office of Ann Thayer. Our office has years of experience and can help ensure your rights are protected. You can contact us today by visiting our website or calling 703-940-0001. We can give you a personalized criminal defense and are among the best Fairfax criminal defense attorney that you can hire.
