The holiday season is upon us; for many of us, that means gatherings with family and friends, office parties, and other social events. It’s a time to celebrate and let loose—but it’s also when people can make poor decisions that lead to criminal charges. So, what should you do if you find yourself facing criminal charges this holiday season?
Remain Calm
The first thing you should do is remain calm. Once you have been charged with a crime, it is essential to know that you have rights and there are steps you can take to protect yourself. It is also important to be aware of the possible consequences of a criminal conviction. Some crimes, such as DUI, can result in jail time, even for first-time offenders. Other crimes, such as assault or domestic violence, can carry a prison sentence.
If you need to, take some deep breaths to calm down. If you are in police custody, do not say anything you wish to be used against you and instead request a phone call to a loved one to share where you are or to an attorney to begin your case.
Contact An Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
Once you have calmed down, you should contact an experienced and trusted criminal defense attorney to learn more about how to fight your case. While you might wish to wait until the holiday season is over before you begin your case, you should contact an attorney immediately to start working on your case. Unfortunately, the legal system does not pause just for the holiday season.
You don’t have to choose the first attorney you meet with; however, you should retain an attorney quickly so there is as much time as possible to prepare a case. Your attorney will work with you to compile evidence regarding your matter and build a strategy best for your situation. They’ll work to understand your goals and protect your freedoms, advocating for the best possible outcome in your case.
Experienced Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you are charged with a crime this holiday season, the best thing you can do is remain calm and contact an attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will be your best advocate and help ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process. At Harwell Gray Legal Counsel LLC, our criminal defense attorneys are passionate about going above and beyond for our clients until the resolution of their case.
Were you or a loved one charged with a crime this holiday season? Schedule a free consultation with a member of our team to learn more about how we can help you fight your charges and retain your freedoms.