Being contacted by the police in connection with a criminal investigation can be a nerve-wracking experience for just about anyone. If you find yourself in this situation, one of the first things you will probably find yourself wondering is whether or not you need to hire a lawyer. The answer to this question is a definite yes. In fact, while you may be tempted to put off contacting an attorney for as long as possible, it is in your best interest to contact a lawyer as quickly as possible. Continue reading to learn the three reasons why you should act quickly when seeking out these legal services. 

Know What To Expect Next

If you have never been the subject of a criminal investigation before, you may find yourself dealing with quite a bite of anxiety wondering what to expect next. This fear of the unknown can be extremely stressful. Contacting a defense lawyer will give you access to a knowledgeable legal professional who can give you detailed information about what to expect next so that you are not caught off guard. Your attorney will also be able to help you plan for each step of the process so that you are as prepared as possible. For example, if a warrant is issued for your arrest, your lawyer will be able to arrange for you to surrender to law enforcement and subsequently be bailed out. 

Possibly Prevent Charges From Being Filed

In some cases, it may be possible to avoid charges being filed against you. This most typically occurs when law enforcement is unable to gather enough evidence to move forward with their case. Choosing to hire a defense lawyer to represent you during the investigative stage of the case can help to maximize the chances that you can avoid formal charges. This is because your lawyer will be able to challenge potential evidence in court if it is not obtained legally. Your lawyer will also be able to help control the flow of information to law enforcement so that it is more difficult for them to make their case. 

Ensure You Don't Do Anything To Hurt Your Defense

Even with the help of the most capable criminal defense lawyer, it is possible that you could be arrested and charged with a crime. If this happens, it is important to understand that anything you say or do during the investigation could potentially be held against you during your trial. While hiring a defense lawyer may not guarantee you can avoid charges being filed against you, it can help to ensure you don't do anything to hurt your defense. To accomplish this goal, you will need to contact a defense lawyer to represent you as soon as you are contacted by law enforcement. This means that you do not make any statements at all other than to inform them that you would like to speak to a lawyer before cooperating with their investigation.

For more information, contact a criminal defense lawyer near you.