What To Do If You Are Accused of a Crime in Georgia?

Being arrested or accused of a crime can be your worst nightmare. You may be worried how to get yourself out of jail or how to retain a lawyer or if you even need an attorney. Getting arrested generally raises too many questions that you are unsure of how to answer. That is why individuals should contact an attorney right away after being arrested. A Criminal Defense Lawyer in Georgia will not only explain your constitutional rights but will aggressively protect those rights through the process. 

The criminal justice system is not designed for self-service. It is made for attorneys to assist with your case. The first thing you need to do when charged with a crime, arrested, or questioned about a crime is to call a Georgia Criminal Lawyer. They understand the complexities of the criminal justice system and will guide you every step of the way.

You have rights at every stage of the criminal process from the first contact with officers through any time spent in prison. 

Your Rights During a Police Encounter:

Many people are under the misconception that you have to do whatever the police say and that you have no rights with the police. However, that is certainly not the case. There are restrictions on how the police can behave towards you including:

• Right to be free from unreasonable search and seizures
• Right to be told the charges against you
• Right to be given your Miranda rights
• Right to consult with an attorney
• Right to remain silent
• Right to due process

Do not just give up and think you have no case because you were arrested. Police officers are humans too and make mistakes. Our job as attorneys is to ensure that officers followed all of the procedures when making the arrest and after. 

Your Rights in Court:

After the arrest, you go through a trial in order to present your case in order to prove your innocence or advocate for a lower sentence. During the trial, you have several rights guaranteed to you including:

• Right of due process
• Right to be represented by an attorney
• Right to a speedy trial
• Right to defend yourself
• Right to confront witnesses
• Right to a jury

Hiring an experienced defense attorney in Georgia ensures that all of your rights are protected and that the trial process follows standard procedures. Trying to navigate the court system on your own is overwhelming and difficult to understand. 

Your Rights While in Jail or Prison:

Even if you are arrested, you still have rights while in jail or prison. Some of the rights include but are not limited to:

• Right of due process
• Right to be free from cruel or unusual punishment
• Right to be free from discrimination
• Right to be free from sexual harassment

If you believe your rights have been violated by the police during a trial, or while in jail or prison, contact us today. 

Contact Us:

It is best to consult a Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney as soon as possible after being arrested for a crime. The lawyers at Lawson and Berry will work diligently for your case and safeguard your rights! 

Contact us today for a free case evaluation.