What To Do After Being Arrested for a Felony in Indianapolis
Being arrested and charged with a felony in Indianapolis is a serious thing. A felony conviction can result in jail time, costly fines, and other serious penalties. To build a strong defense and protect your rights, it is crucial that you understand the steps to take if you are facing felony charges. This article discusses the vital steps you should take if you are facing felony charges in Indianapolis.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It should not be taken as professional legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney.
Step #1: Stay Silent
The Constitution of the United States’ and the Indiana Constitution grant you the right to remain silent. Whether you are under investigation, have been arrested, or charged with a felony in Indianapolis, it is essential that you exercise your right to remain silent. You should not speak to the police or prosecution without an attorney present. If you talk to the police or prosecution without an attorney, you may inadvertently say something that could be used against you.
Step #2: Retain a Criminal Defense Attorney as Soon as Possible
When you are facing felony charges in Indianapolis it is important that you contact, and ultimately secure, representation of a criminal defense attorney. A skilled criminal defense attorney will help you understand and protect your legal rights. An attorney will advise you on how to proceed in your best interest. Ultimately, you need to find an attorney you trust, and whose advice you will rely on. With the prevalence of crime and legal based entertainment, you likely do not have a meaningful understanding of the process or laws that apply in your State. Further, when you delay in securing a criminal defense attorney, you risk missing important deadlines established by the Court, and the loss or deterioration of potential evidence for your defense.
Step #3: Know What Charges You Are Facing
It is crucial that you understand the felony charges filed against you and the severity of the penalties you face for those charges. Knowing the specific charges against you can enable you to prepare an appropriate legal defense. In Indiana, felonies are categorized into six levels. Level 6 felonies are the least serious, whereas Level 1 felonies are the most serious. A qualified criminal defense attorney can help you understand the specific charges against you and the potential consequences of those charges.
Step #4: Be Honest With Your Attorney
To most effectively prepare and defend your case, your attorney will need the most accurate information about your case. So, it is crucial that you share all the facts and details of your case with your attorney. It is understandable to feel hesitant about sharing some things with your defense attorney, but you should know that anything you tell your attorney is confidential. Communications between you and your attorney are protected by the attorney-client privilege. Your attorney will give you advice based, in part, on the information you provide.
Step #5: Avoid Discussing Your Case With Others
Conversations between you and friends or family members are not protected by confidentiality rules. Anything you say to your family or friends can be used against you. Therefore, it is best to avoid discussing the details of your case with family members or friends.
Step #6: Attend All Court Proceedings
Finally, if you are facing felony charges, ensure you attend all court proceedings. A condition of your release on a felony charge is to appear at all court proceedings. When a defendant misses Court, it is a violation of their pretrial release. It is likely that the Court will issue a re-arrest warrant. Whether you are granted a new bond or held until the case is resolved is up to the Court.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you are facing felony charges, contact Rigney Law LLC at 317-623-0989 or by filling out our online contact form to speak with a qualified Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer.
