Think Twice Before Volunteering Your Side of the Story

Federal crimes are investigated by federal agencies that often contact the target of the investigation and request that you chat with them. Don’t ― at least not without first contacting a criminal defense attorney in Jacksonville. The investigators and prosecutors are not interested in hearing “your side of the story.” They are interested in finding wrongdoers and securing a speedy conviction.

Under the United States Constitution, you have the right to remain silent and to have your attorney present during any questioning. The Sixth Amendment states that you have the right to counsel to assist in your defense, meaning that in any criminal proceeding you are entitled to representation by an attorney. If you cannot afford one, then the judge will appoint an attorney for you. The right to remain silent is guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment, which states you cannot be compelled to be a witness against yourself in a criminal matter. Furthermore, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the Miranda case that law enforcement officers must inform you of your Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights before questioning you.

If you waive your rights and voluntarily offer statements to the investigators, those statements can be used against you at trial. Make sure that you have a federal crimes defense attorney in Jacksonville help you navigate the complexities of police interrogations while preserving your constitutional rights.

When your rights and your freedom are at stake in any federal or state prosecution, contact the highly regarded Jacksonville criminal defense firm, Fallgatter Catlin & Varon, P.A., P.A., AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, the most prestigious rating in the United States.