What Should I Do After Being Arrested for a Federal Crime?

If you have been arrested for a federal crime, the first thing you need to do is stop talking to police officers and not talk to federal prosecutors. Whether your arrest came as a surprise or you had reason to expect one, you must invoke your right to remain silent, as protected by the U.S. Constitution. You may have already said a few things to law enforcement.

In that case, you should stop talking and not say anything else. Anything you say can be used against you when you are being prosecuted in court. Police officers, federal prosecutors, and even some judges want you to say anything possible to help them obtain a conviction against you. You should invoke your right to remain silent, as the Constitution protects. If the law enforcement officers continue badgering you with questions, you should also invoke your right to have a lawyer present.

You must not talk to strangers or anyone else you may share a cell with if you have been arrested and taken to jail. Testimony from “jailhouse snitches” can be admissible, and prosecutors may use it against you when prosecuting you. You should always wait to insult your federal criminal defense team before you talk to investigators. You should also have your defense attorney present before you begin answering questions asked by federal prosecutors or police officers.

Hiring an attorney with experience in federal criminal law and procedures is crucial because the federal system is entirely different than North Carolina's criminal justice system. If you are being detained and locked up, call a loved one, and then you must hire an attorney. Call your criminal defense attorney if you already have one as soon as possible, or locate an experienced attorney and ask them to represent you. although you can technically defend yourself, you do not want to risk doing so if you have been charged with Federal crimes.

The next step is to determine exactly what you have been charged with so you and your attorney can begin preparing an aggressive legal defense. If you were indicted and then arrested, some of the evidence against you has probably already been gathered and compiled. However, there may be more evidence you and your attorney do not know about yet.

Your attorney will begin trying to discover all the evidence they have against you. They may interview witnesses, investigate video and photographic evidence, and use their connections to learn more about your case's status. It is crucial that you do not post about your case on social media or discuss it with family, as doing so could inadvertently help the prosecutors convict you.

If you were surprised by being arrested, tell your criminal defense attorney and provide them with details about what happened during your arrest. If you can, it is helpful to write notes about what happened to you after you were arrested. On each sheet of paper, you should write the words “FOR MY LAWYER.” as a result, the attorney-client privilege will cover and protect your written notes.

Then, you will need to provide your notes to your criminal defense attorney. The specifics of what happened during the arrest will help your defense attorney decide the best way to defend you. For example, if your constitutional rights were violated during the arrest process, such as having your home searched without a valid warrant or exception to the warrant requirement, your attorney can use those arguments to defend you.

Whether you have been charged with a federal crime or suspect you are being investigated for a crime, hiring an attorney as soon as possible can protect you and your future. The penalties for federal crimes are often more severe than for state-level crimes. Hiring an attorney can help you protect yourself.

Navigating the federal criminal process can be challenging, and an attorney can help you understand what you have been charged with. They can also help you weigh your options and decide how your legal defense should proceed. Do not hesitate to contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC, to schedule a complimentary in-case evaluation and learn more about how we can fight for you and your rights.