If you’re ever charged with a crime, you may be legitimately confused and anxious. You might be facing an accusation that’s false and sometimes even random, and you feel like you’ve been caught off guard. Regardless of where you are emotionally or legally, you’ll need to know what to do when faced with an accusation.

Understand Your Position

Before you can decide how to handle a criminal accusation, it’s important to understand your position. This means understanding what crime you’re accused of committing and what the penalty is for that crime, as well as understanding the specifics related to where you’re at in the legal process. For example, if you’re being charged with a lower-level misdemeanor, your situation is very different from someone who is being convicted of a felony.

Know Your Rights

One of the most important aspects of a criminal accusation is knowing your rights. When accused of a crime, you have the right to remain silent and to have an attorney present at any time. You also have the right to know who is accusing you, what you’re being charged with, and to be read your Miranda Rights. You should pay close attention to these rights and make sure not to waive them unnecessarily.

Consider Contacting a Lawyer

It’s always a good idea to have someone in your corner when faced with accusations. If possible, you should contact a criminal defense attorney Jacksonville FL before making any important decisions. An attorney can help advise you on what steps to take next, provide specific details about charges, and guide you through police interviews.

A criminal accusation can be very stressful to deal with. You may be feeling angry or scared; these are natural emotions, but try to avoid letting them escalate. By remaining rational, you may be able to put this situation behind you.