If criminal charges have been filed against you, you have the right to an attorney. You should exercise this right. Not exercising your right to an attorney can lead to long-term consequences that greatly affect your future.
By going over the importance of hiring an attorney before charges are filed, in order to protect yourself from self-incrimination, you may have an easier time obtaining the best possible legal outcome.
If criminal charges have already been filed against you, you may want to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. You can speak with one of our Chicago criminal defense lawyers today. We are ready to help you.
What Is Self-Incrimination?
Self-incrimination is when you intentionally or unintentionally provide information that suggests your involvement in a crime. You can find three examples of self-incrimination in the space below:
- You claim that you were not at the scene of a crime because you were busy driving after drinking with your friends; this suggests that you may have been driving while under the influence.
- You claim that you did commit a particular crime after being pressured to confess; regardless of whether or not you committed this crime, your confession can be used to put you behind bars.
- You claim that you were drinking at a bar before being pulled over for a DUI test; even if you are not currently intoxicated, this claim can be used to suggest that you were driving while under the influence.
You have the right to an attorney and, in turn, you have the right to protect yourself from self-incrimination. Not exercising these rights can result in your conviction for a crime.
How Can Self-Incrimination Harm You?
Self-incrimination can harm you in a multitude of ways, many of which can make it very difficult for you to live the life you are accustomed to. Some of the ways that self-incrimination can harm you are as follows:
- If you confess to a crime, it will be a lot easier for you to be convicted of this crime. This can lead to a prison sentence, heavy fines, and/or a criminal record, among many other consequences.
- If you suggest that you committed another crime, separate from the initial charges, you could be convicted of that crime. This, too, could lead to prison, heavy fines, and a criminal record; among other things.
- If you confess to a crime, this can make it very difficult for you to contest the charges against you. You can still do it, but it might take a lot more money, time, and effort.
You have the right to remain silent. And, everything you say can, and will, be used against you. Both of these facts should be honored because, if you do not exercise these rights, the consequences could be very damaging.
What Can An Attorney Do To Help You?
Working with an attorney can help you:
- Obtain the best possible legal outcome.
- Protect you from self-incrimination.
- Ensure that you do not confess to a crime.
You cannot “clear things up” by speaking to the police. Doing so can lead to self-incrimination. And, for this reason, if you are about to be charged with a crime, you should work with an attorney.
Get Qualified Legal Help Today
If you need representation for a criminal charge, Glasgow & Olsson is uniquely qualified to help you.
Our team has helped thousands of people who have been charged with crimes in Illinois. When we take cases, we do so to win. This means we take cases to trial. We don’t arrange plea bargains unless they’re in our clients’ best interests. As proactive lawyers, we fight aggressively and support our clients throughout their entire case up to and including appeals. Protecting your life and freedom is always the goal, and with our decades of experience practicing law, we know how to get results. This is why we are regularly invited to serve as legal contributors on popular radio and news outlets, including ABC, CNN, NBC, CBS, and Fox News.
When you need an attorney, experience matters.
Speak with a Chicago criminal defense attorney today to learn how our experience can get you the results you deserve.