Trust Only in Your Attorney
If you or someone you know is a subject in a criminal investigation, it is imperative that you consult legal counsel immediately. What you do and say right now can have a dramatic effect on the outcome of your case. Often times suspects can be and are lured into saying the wrong thing to the wrong person. It is perfectly legal for law enforcement to lie to you during the course of any questioning. Do not speak to or trust anyone other than your defense attorney.
Remember that the goal of law enforcement is to build a case that can lead to a criminal conviction. While law enforcement agencies should be willing to take their time during an investigation and expend their vast and tremendous resources to explore all sides and interview all relevant witnesses, officers and agents often focus solely on building a case against you. Law enforcement officers often follow the path of least resistance and certainly have no obligation to offer or provide anyone accused of a crime a complete investigation. After all, a law enforcement officer's job is not to protect your rights. During the initial interview process often one person's point of view is heard, believed, then an investigation is "completed" to "fit" the officer's initial theory.
If you have been questioned by the police you should know that you do not have Miranda Rights against self-incrimination until after you have been arrested. Anything that you say can and will be used against you, including statements made before you are advised of your Miranda Rights. You do not even have the right to know the charges you are facing. It is natural to want to defend yourself, and this is where most people get into trouble. Do not talk to law enforcement officials, potential witnesses or anyone else about the facts of a case without first speaking with an attorney.
If You Have Been Contacted By Law Enforcement, Speak to an Attorney Immediately.
If you have been contacted by a law enforcement officer for any reason call us. We can work immediately to try to avoid charges from being filed or, if the case against you is strong, to get you the best possible outcome in court. Most importantly, we can guide you through this critical process and help you avoid common mistakes that can result in the loss of your freedom.
An effective defense involves much more than just simply trial law knowledge. A quality defense attorney is necessary to out-investigate the prosecution, prepare for a possible trial and make it as likely as possible to obtain an acquittal at trial. Early intervention is the key to our mutual success.
Contact Criminal Defense Lawyer John W. Kerns
For an initial consultation with the Kerns Law Office, call (785) 371-4159 or send us an e-mail.
