If you, or a loved one, is accused of a crime:
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Contact a lawyer. Get in touch with an experienced, criminal defense lawyer immediately. You can speak with Birdsall Law Offices, S.C. by using our secure online form to request a free consultation or you can contact us by phone.
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Do not discuss the case with anyone. Don't talk about the situation or events with friends, family, cellmates, police, social workers or ANYONE. You may turn all of these people into witnesses. The ONLY person you should talk to is your criminal defense attorney since there is an attorney-client privilege that shields your comments from admission in court.
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Do not contact any victims. There is usually a "no contact" order in place and you could be charged with "Bail Jumping" or even "Intimidation of a Witness." This includes contact by phone, in writing or through 3rd persons.
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Write out your version of events as soon as possible. Write down everything that happened: who, what, when, where, and "who says so." Include all details while they are still fresh in your mind, such as: a map of the crime scene, witness names and addresses, police agencies involved, and the contents of any statements you may have made to the police or anyone else.
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Obtain documents. Obtain whatever documents you can from the police or prosecutors until you are able to retain counsel. The more that you know about the allegations and the people that are making them, the better you can defend yourself.
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Don't hide anything from your lawyer. Be completely and totally honest with your attorney — there is no value in hiding something and then have your lawyer get blind-sided in court.
