Often persons wonder when the time has come to seek the advice of an attorney. The answer is as soon as possible. If you even suspect that a law enforcement agency is interested in you it is imperative that you contact a lawyer immediately. The purpose of this is to protect your constitutional rights.

The government's case is made during the investigative stage of the process. However, this is the time when persons unfamiliar with the legal system often give friendly agents and officers information which is ultimately used against either themselves, their families or their friends. While law enforcement is doing their job you need to make certain that someone is protecting you.

One of the most tragic mistakes the firm has seen over the years is when a well intentioned parent drags their seventeen year old son or daughter down to the local police department to confess the child's role in sneaking into a friend's house, when the parents are out of town, and taking a six-pack. Often congratulating the parents on doing the right thing the child is then arrested and charged with residential burglary. The mandatory minimum sentence is 4 years in the Department of Corrections. The parent is then devastated and the child's future in jeopardy.

If the law enforcement appears at your door one night with a search warrant you need to contact an attorney immediately. While it is unlikely that the search will be halted there are important things that you need to be aware of. For example, you should note where the police are allowed to search and what they are searching for. You are entitled to an inventory of what was seized.

The investigatory stage is the best time to have an impact on the case. This is your opportunity to attempt to present any mitigating circumstances that exist. However, remember anything you say to a law enforcement agent WILL be used against you. You need the advice of an attorney who knows exactly where the government is going and what they are attempting to do.

Fawell & Associates has years of experience presenting clients at the pre-arrest stage.

The firm is available 24 hours a days, seven days a week.

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