Just Arrested in Michigan for a Drug Offense
Our Michigan Drug Crime Defense Lawyers Can Help You Avoid Jail if You Have Just Been Arrested in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Throughout Michigan
As highly regarded Michigan drug crime attorneys, we realize that when someone has just been arrested it is difficult to know what to do, or how to react. This is a frightening and stressful experience, however it is important that you understand what you should and should not do in order to protect yourself from being charged with a crime as much as possible. At Grabel & Associates, we offer the following information to help those just arrested for a drug offense.
First and Foremost, Contact a Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately
When you have just been arrested it is critical that you obtain capable legal representation right away. This is true whether you are inside or outside of the state of Michigan and the following circumstances apply:
- The drug offense you are accused of committing occurred within or even partially within the state of Michigan
- You have been accused of a crime which caused considerable detriment in Michigan
- At the time the alleged offense occurred, the victim or any agent/employee of a government unit posing as a victim was located in or lived in the state of Michigan
- You or another member involved in a conspiracy scheme who was provoked by you conspired to commit a crime within Michigan and acted in a way to further the conspiracy within the state
- You have been accused of conduct indicating an attempt to commit a crime in Michigan
What Not to Do When Just Arrested for a Drug Offense
Regardless of whether you have been arrested for possessing a small amount of marijuana or for manufacturing methamphetamine, do not talk to police no matter how hard they try to convince you that it will be to your benefit if you do. Police can and will use everything you say against you; they are not your friends, although they will attempt to make you believe they are trying to help.
Do not consent to a police request to search your property. Without your consent, they must obtain a search warrant.
What Should You Do When You Have Just Been Arrested?
As mentioned earlier, your first priority should be to consult with a skilled and aggressive attorney. Your lawyer is the one person who thoroughly understands the law, and the consequences you may face if your legal rights are not protected.
Pay attention to whether police read you your rights. Police MUST read an individual his or her Miranda rights prior to asking any questions. If they begin asking questions without doing so, this may be used as a defense in court. Regardless, do not answer questions!
Be honest with your attorney. It is critical to your freedom and future that you are forthcoming about the circumstances that led to your arrest. Regardless of whether you feel that the details surrounding your arrest may be incriminating, tell the truth. Your attorney cannot develop a strong and effective defense strategy without knowing everything. When you help your Michigan drug crimes attorney, you essentially help yourself.
Initial Appearance Before a Judge Following a Michigan Drug Crime Arrest
One reason it is essential that you obtain the legal representation of a capable lawyer is that you will face an initial appearance before a judge almost immediately. Any individual who is alleged to have committed a drug crime will be given the opportunity to make a public statement. You will also have the opportunity to answer questions regarding the charge against you, however it is highly advised that you have a skilled attorney to direct you throughout this process.
The criminal justice system can be quite intimidating; most people do not know what to expect when they have just been arrested.
At Grabel & Associates we are dedicated to providing our clients with the most effective legal representation possible, always working vigorously to protect your legal rights and freedom. If you or someone you know has just been arrested for a drug crime, contact us immediately by calling our toll-free number at 1-800-342-7896. Contact us online for a free confidential consultation.