What to Do After an Arrest
Hire a Lawyer to Defend You
After you have been arrested, the first step is to remember that you have the right to remain silent. You do not have to speak to law enforcement, even if they are asking you questions. You also have the right to an attorney. It is highly recommended that you exercise that right as soon after an arrest as possible.
“What can I say to exercise my right to remain silent?”
Simply getting silent in the face of police questioning can appear suspicious. Some counties and states even permit courts to view an intentional and steadfast lack of communication as an indirect admission of guilt. If and when you decide you do not want to talk to the police anymore in the course of your arrest, you should make it clear. Say something like “I have decided to exercise my Fifth Amendment right to remain silent until I am given an opportunity to discuss the situation with my attorney.”
At The Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller, our lawyers are committed to protecting your privacy and rights after you have been arrested. We know that being arrested is stressful and overwhelming, and we are here to provide you with support and sound counsel.
You may be faced with the following penalties after a criminal arrest:
- Jail or prison time
- Substantial fines
- Probation
- Community service
- Mandatory substance abuse counseling
Any of the aforementioned consequences can be extremely damaging to your reputation. Just having an arrest on your criminal record can be problematic for your private and professional life, even if no charges are filed. It is so important for you to take the right steps after an arrest to try to minimize its overall impact.
Contact us today to request your free consultation so you can inform our lawyer about your situation.
Understanding Virginia Arrests & Penalties
When you hire our firm to represent you, you can rest assured that we work to protect your rights and put your best interests first. Our attorney understands the difficult experience you are going through. You can rely on us to provide you with compassionate yet aggressive representation. Once you understand the charges you are facing, we can get to work putting together a defense tactic. If you are able to post bail, we can help you with the process and use this time to prepare for your court appearance.
Working On Your Defense Immediately After Arrest
The prosecutor that eventually decides to file charges against you is technically working against you from the moment you encounter a law enforcement officer. Anything the police do in the course of discussions and your arrest will make it to the prosecutor’s desk sooner than later. To this end, evidence is being collected for the opposition right away.
You need to keep this in mind and think similarly. Try to make mental notes of what is happening and what is being said. If anyone is making recordings, either video or audio, then you need to keep track of it as well. Later on, your lawyer will want to know every possible avenue of evidence to use in your defense, but it may be up to you to let them know where to look.
Schedule an Initial Case Consultation!
Retaining legal counsel is very important, regardless of the exact charges you are facing. At our firm, we have more than 20 years of legal experience and the necessary knowledge and resources to defend you. We work to gather as much evidence as possible which we can use to your advantage when building a case on your behalf.
Schedule a free initial consultation when you contact our firm online or call (757) 517-2942 today!
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Case Results
A Track Record of Success-
Obtaining a Protective Order – Virginia Beach Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Domestic Violence
Our client was seeking a protective order against her husband to obtain exclusive use and possession of the home and to require him to have no future hostile contact with her.
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Underage Possession of Alcohol – Norfolk General District Court DUI
Our client was alleged to have illegally possessed alcohol in the city of Norfolk.
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Pre Litigation Defense – Rape - Virginia Beach General District Court Sex Crimes
Our client was the respondent of a protective order wherein the petitioner alleged that she was raped.
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Protective Order - Norfolk Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Family Law
We represented husband who’s estranged wife had filed a protective order to prohibit him from having contact with her to gain exclusive use and possession of the home and an upper hand in their divorce proceedings.
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Bond Hearing – DUI 4th Offense - Virginia Beach Circuit Court DUI
Our client was charged fourth offense driving under the influence.
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Violation of Protective Order – Chesapeake Circuit Court - Appeal Domestic Violence
Our client was under a protective order to have no hostile contact with his family.
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Breaking and Entering with Intent to Commit Misdemeanor – Felony – Virginia Beach General District Court Felony Defense
Commonwealth agreed to dismiss charge at the preliminary hearing stage against client who suffered severe and debilitating mental illness.
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Felony Third Offense Petty Larceny Virginia Beach General District Felony Defense
We were successful in negotiating a reduction from a felony third offense petty larceny charge.
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Appeal Possession of Marijuana - Chesapeake Circuit Court Drug Crimes
Our client plead not guilty to a second offense possession of marijuana charge.
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DUI Reduced to Reckless Driving – Isle of Wight General District Court DUI
Our client was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol after officers arrived on a call for service in a church parking lot.