Being arrested in Lexington, South Carolina, can be one of the most stressful and overwhelming experiences of your life. Whether your charge involves DUI, domestic violence, sexual exploitation of a minor, or another criminal accusation, it’s important to know that an arrest is not the end of the story. How you respond in the hours and days after your arrest can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
Here are the top five things everyone arrested in Lexington, SC, should know:
1. An Arrest is Not the Same as a Conviction
Being arrested does not mean you are guilty. A criminal case has to go through the court system before there is ever a conviction, and many cases end in dismissals, reductions, or not guilty verdicts. Do not assume that your situation is hopeless. With the right defense strategies, there are often opportunities to challenge the evidence and fight for a better outcome.
2. Do Not Give Statements to Law Enforcement
You have an absolute right to remain silent. Outside of providing your basic identifying information, you should not answer questions, give a statement, or consent to searches. It is rare for anything a defendant says to law enforcement to actually help their case. More often, those words are later used as evidence. Protect yourself by using your right to remain silent.
3. Do Not Talk About Your Case
After an arrest, it can be tempting to talk with friends, family members, or even co-workers about what happened. You might also feel the urge to post about it on social media. Anything you say to others can later be used against you in court. The only safe person to talk to about your charges is your lawyer and their staff.
4. Contact a Lawyer Immediately
Time is critical after an arrest. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the sooner they can begin investigating the charges, interviewing witnesses, and working to preserve evidence that may help your defense. Delays can make your case harder to defend, as witnesses may forget important details or evidence may be lost. A lawyer can also start exploring potential defenses and strategies to reduce or dismiss charges.
5. Take Advantage of Your Legal Rights
While there are not many protections against an unfair or mistaken arrest, you do have strong legal rights when it comes to defending yourself against a conviction. These include your right to remain silent, your right to an attorney, your right to pre-trial discovery, and your right to take your case to trial. Using these rights gives you the best chance at a fair result, whether that means a dismissal, a reduction in charges, or an acquittal at trial.
Call for Help Today
If you are under investigation or have been arrested in Lexington, South Carolina, do not wait to get help. The Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC represents clients facing serious charges, including DUI, domestic violence, and sexual exploitation of a minor. James Snell has over 20 years of experience defending clients in Lexington and throughout South Carolina. Same-day appointments are typically available. Call (803) 359-3301 today to schedule a consultation and begin protecting your future. We can help you during a police investigation, or if you have been arrested in obtaining a Lexington, SC Criminal Defense Attorney.
Disclaimer: Every case is unique. Prior results obtained by the attorney in one matter do not indicate that similar results will be obtained for other clients in other matters.