If you are questioned by law enforcement in regard to a crime, it is very important that you do not delay in contacting a local attorney. In fact, you should make this call before you answer any questions law enforcement may have for you. In this article, you can learn more about the three reasons it is so important for you to act quickly in seeking out legal representation in this situation.

#1: An Attorney Can Prevent You From Making Statements That Could Be Used Against You

When speaking with law enforcement, any statements that you make can potentially be used against you either in the course of their investigation or in court. This remains true even if you have not been formally arrested at the time the statement is made. Consulting with a local attorney before making any statements to the police can ensure you do not say something that could potentially incriminate you. In order to exercise your right to consult legal counsel, simply inform law enforcement officials that you are happy to cooperate with their investigation but that you need to consult your attorney before you make any statements. 

#2: An Attorney Will Be Abe To Gain Access To Information You Cannot

Law enforcement officials are unlikely to provide you with detailed information regarding the evidence in their case. The problem with this is that if you do not know what information the police have, you cannot accurately judge the severity of the situation you are in. The good news is attorneys are able to gain access to information that you may not be able to. Since information truly is power in this type of situation, it is extremely important that you hire an attorney right away so that you can make sure you have as much information as possible when making decisions regarding your course of action. 

#3: An Attorney Will Make Sure Your Rights Are Protected

Many people simply are not familiar enough with the way the criminal justice system works to ensure that all of their rights are being protected during the course of a criminal investigation. Hiring a local attorney as soon as you become aware that you are under investigation will ensure that there is someone with legal knowledge looking out for your best interest and ensuring that your rights are not violated. In the event that law enforcement does not follow proper procedures, your attorney may also be able to use this information to have any charges against you dropped.  

For more information, contact a local attorney.