Mississippi Criminal and Family Law BlogIf you understand the legal system in Mississippi, you know that it is very important to speak with your attorney as soon as possible after you have been arrested. But how long do you have to wait? You may know that police are legally obligated to allow you to speak to your attorney, but this area of law has always been a little vague. How long can they detain you and question you before you finally get to meet with your attorney? These are all important questions if you are facing criminal charges.
Of course, the most important thing is to choose a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney in Mississippi if you have been arrested. The sooner you can connect with one of our legal professionals, the better. After meeting with your attorney, you can start to figure out the best course of action and avoid potential consequences.
You Should Remain Silent Until Your Attorney Arrives
As a general rule, it is always a good idea to remain silent until your attorney arrives. Police may attempt to ask you all kinds of questions before your lawyer arrives, but it is important to stay silent in the vast majority of cases. Simply inform any officers present that you are exercising your right to remain silent, and they are legally obligated to stop asking you questions.
Even if you have done nothing wrong, it is always a good idea to remain silent. If you are not careful, you may incriminate yourself. Even if you are simply brought in for questioning without being charged with a crime or arrested, it is a good idea to have an attorney present. If you are not careful, you may also be charged with obstructing justice when you say the wrong thing.
How Long Do I Have to Wait?
You may need to wait a considerable amount of time before your attorney arrives. Sometimes, these hours can be incredibly stressful – especially if you are left alone in an interrogation room. However, be patient and rest assured that your attorney will eventually arrive, and the situation will become easier to handle at this point.
What if I Do Not Have a Criminal Defense Attorney Yet?
If you do not actually have a criminal defense attorney yet, you should still inform the police that you wish to speak with your attorney. You will be given the opportunity to make calls and obtain an attorney. You may want to call a trusted family friend who you can contact an attorney on your behalf and let them know what is going on.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching the Mississippi area for a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney, look no further than Vic Carmody Jr., P.A. If you have been arrested, detained, or questioned and you are reading this article on your phone right now, contact us right away. After our meeting, you can start to approach this difficult situation in a much more confident manner. Reach out today.