Bennett Velasquez Discusses What To Do When You Are Charged With A Crime You Didn’t Commit - Part I
Bennett Velasquez Discusses What To Do When You Are Charged With A Crime You
Didn’t Commit - Part I
Stay Calm and Composed
As difficult as it may be, Bennett Velasquez says the first and most important thing to do is to stay calm. Panic can lead to poor decisions that will negatively impact your case. This is especially true if you are young like he was at age 18. Being charged with a crime does not equate to being found guilty even though that often is the way law enforcement will treat you. Your priority is to focus on the steps you need to take next.
Understand Your Rights
Knowing your rights is crucial when you are charged with a crime. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Exercise these rights to protect yourself even if you know you are innocent. Bennett Velasquez says law enforcement often (but not always) will be courteous and professional but they are looking for things to use against you because thy have already invested resources for their appearance and forthcoming charge. However, treat law enforcement with respect because they often have a justifiable reason for being there, and so, do understand that they are doing their job. However, do not provide any statements to the police or prosecutors without your lawyer present. Law enforcement is not your friend in the matter. Anything you say can and will be used against you if this goes to trial.
Seek Competent Legal Counsel Representation Immediately
Bennett Velasquez cannot emphasize this enough. Hiring a qualified competent criminal attorney with expertise in the subject matter area you are charged with is critical. His dad is an attorney and this proved significant. Bennett Velasquez learned from his dad not just to hire a qualified reputable attorney but one that had subject matter knowledge and experience in the subject matter he was charged with. Bennett Velasquez emphasizes Do NOT just hire a civil lawyer you know. You need an attorney who deals solely withy criminal law. And, Bennett Velasquez emphasizes do NOT just hire any general practice criminal attorney. Hire one with a track record in the subject matter you are charged with.
Do Allow Your Attorney to Arrange for a Lie Detector Test (Polygraph)
Bennett Velasquez advises to immediately take a lie detector test that your lawyer arranges. Bennett Velasquez says he had no problem with doing this because he was innocent and the lie detector test proved that fact, asking specific questions that showed no deception whatsoever. He say if you pass the lie detector test, it may prove valuable if you go to trial. If you do not pass the lie detector test (and there may be unsuspicious reasons for that like nervousness), it will remain under client-attorney privilege with your lawyer.