Cedar Park Violent Crime Attorneys

What to Do If You Are Accused of Committing a Violent Crime

If someone alleges that you have committed a violent crime, there are three main things you need to do: 

1. Remain calm
2. Stay silent 
3. Ask to speak to a lawyer

Remember: You have the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This means the prosecution must prove that you committed the offense for which you are being charged with 100% certainty. 

You also have the right to remain silent—and it’s in your best interests to do so. Making any statements to the arresting officer, interrogators, or other officials without a lawyer present is unwise for several reasons. The prosecution is allowed to use anything you say as evidence against you in court. While you might be tempted to defend yourself, you could accidentally say something that you don’t even realize is incriminating until it’s too late. When being questioned, you might not have a clear memory of what happened, but going back on what you’ve said or contradicting yourself could be taken as a sign of your guilt, even if it was an honest mistake. 

The best thing you can do is to politely ask for a local Cedar Park criminal defense lawyer and inform law enforcement that you won’t be answering any questions until your lawyer is present. Many people hesitate to ask for a lawyer, thinking that it will make them appear guilty, but this is a huge mistake that could significantly affect your case. Asking for a lawyer is not an admission of guilt; it is the smartest thing to do in this situation, and it is your right under the law. 

Can Law Enforcement Search My House, Car, Backyard, etc.? 

If law enforcement or detectives show up at your door, politely ask to see a search warrant. To be valid, the search warrant must be signed by a judge. If they do not have a search warrant, politely but firmly refuse to allow them into your home. You do not have to consent to a search of your property without a valid search warrant.

You also have the right to refuse consent to a search of your private property, such as your land, your vehicle, or your personal belongings if there is no valid search warrant. If law enforcement proceeds to search your property anyway, remain calm and repeat that you do not consent to a search. Unlawful search and seizure often leads to inadmissible evidence, meaning anything discovered during an unlawful search will likely be dismissed and cannot be brought forth as evidence against you. 

The Importance of Hiring a Violent Crime Lawyer 

There is no better way to protect yourself when you are accused of a violent crime, such as aggravated assault or homicide, than having the assistance of a competent defense lawyer. Even if you cannot afford an attorney, you have the right to be appointed one by the court. While many public defenders are highly skilled and experienced attorneys, they often have high caseloads and fewer resources. As a result, they may not be able to devote the necessary time and personalized support to each individual case. 

At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, we intentionally limit our caseload so that each of our clients receives the dedicated, one-on-one attention they need during what is likely to be one of the most stressful times in their lives. Our Cedar Park violent crime attorneys conduct independent investigations, use advanced technology, and retain the testimony of expert witnesses to build robust defenses tailored to our clients’ unique situations. This approach has helped us achieve countless successes for our clients, including many instances in which our clients’ charges were dropped or reduced, their cases were dismissed, or they were acquitted. We have what it takes to aggressively fight for you, no matter how complex your circumstances may be or how challenging the evidence against you may seem.