An arrest can happen to anyone. There’s a whole host of reasons that could give an officer probable cause to arrest you – from civil disobedience to driving under the influence. Think it’ll never happen to you? Think again. It’s better to be prepared for that eventuality so you’ll know exactly what to do for yourself or a loved one rather than panicking.
Being arrested is a scary experience. But you can ease your anxiety and better defend your constitutional rights by learning what to expect ahead of time. If an arrest has happened to you or someone you know in San Antonio, read this post carefully to learn what to expect and your next steps to prove your innocence and get on with your life.
We first want to stress the importance of talking to a criminal defense attorney immediately after an arrest. An experienced criminal defense is the best way to ensure that your rights are protected.
THE ARREST
An arrest means you have been detained, handcuffed, and taken to a holding facility. As hard as it might be, it’s important to remain calm during this process. An outburst from you only looks guilty and may result in extra criminal charges. What you can do is tell the officers you want your San Antonio criminal defense attorneys Ramos & Del Cueto as soon as possible. But say nothing else.
The more you talk, the more likely you are to say something the prosecutor can use against you. Don’t fall for the police’s seemingly harmless request to get “your side” of the story. Asking for your attorneys and remaining silent do not make you look guilty. In fact, a jury can never know about these requests under Texas law.
During the “booking” process at the station, there will be a full-body search, health check, and your personal information, fingerprints, photograph, and personal property will be taken. You may also be questioned at some point. Remember, don’t speak to interrogators without your attorneys present. That’s your Sixth Amendment right.
You will also be given a phone call. This is your chance to call someone you trust who can help post your bail and contact your San Antonio criminal defense attorneys Ramos & Del Cueto to arrange for your release. You will then be placed in a holding cell.
ARRAIGNMENT
The arraignment is your first court appearance when formal charges are brought against you, bail is determined, and your plea is entered. It can be no more than 48 hours after your arrest. Your attorneys should be there for this hearing to help you enter a “not guilty” plea, which simply means you’re making the state prove its case against you.
Your attorney is also crucial in an arraignment to help you negotiate your bail. If the bail is too high, an attorney can schedule a bail reduction hearing to show that you don’t have the collateral to cover the bail and get it lowered. This way, you don’t have to be tied you up with a bond company to loan you the money and charge you a fee. With an experienced criminal defense might also get a personal recognizance bond from the judge so no bail is necessary.
Some judges will also determine if there was probable cause to support an arrest at the arraignment – another reason to have your San Antonio criminal defense attorney present to advocate for you and scrutinize the arresting officer’s probable cause.
PLEA BARGAINING
Also called pre-trial negotiations, or Grand Jury proceedings in federal cases, plea bargaining gives the defense and prosecution a chance to discuss strengths and weaknesses in the case, and hopefully reach an agreement to avoid a costly trial. 90-95% of criminal cases end in plea bargaining according to the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
Studies have found that those who accept a plea are more likely to receive a lighter sentence. An experienced criminal defense like Ramos & Del Cueto know how to negotiate with prosecutors so you avoid incarceration and steep fines. A plea agreement may just result in probation, house arrest, or drug treatment programs.
San Antonio criminal defense attorneys can also leverage pre-trial motions, such as a motion to dismiss due to a lack of evidence, to sway prosecutors into reducing charges or dismissing them completely.
If no agreement can be reached, a trial, verdict, sentencing, and appeal are the next steps. Depending on the complexity of the case, these proceedings can last anywhere from two months to two years. In all
these procedures, an experienced criminal defense is imperative to defend your rights against interrogators and prosecutors. And in the San Antonio area, there’s no match for the diverse criminal defense experience, successful record, and aggressive advocacy of Ramos & Del Cueto.
EXPECT POSITIVE RESULTS WITH RAMOS & DEL CUETO
An arrest can carry a lifetime of consequences. But knowing what to expect, what to do, and who to hire gives you the best chance at mitigating those consequences. The San Antonio criminal defense attorneys at Ramos & Del Cueto rush to your defense as soon as we get the call.
Police interrogators are trained in leading suspects into an unwitting admission or contradiction. Deception is a valid law enforcement tool. Don’t fall for their traps. Invoke your right to see the experienced criminal defense attorneys at Ramos & Del Cueto as soon as possible. Their skilled attorneys will see through any deceptions and speak in your best interests according to the law.
Ramos & Del Cueto know how to influence an arraignment in your favor. They know the tactics of a successful plea bargain negotiation. They will fight for the best deal and make sure you understand the effects of taking or rejecting a plea offer.
No matter what you’ve been charged with in San Antonio, Ramos & Del Cueto have the expertise and commitment to achieve the best results for you and your loved ones. Don’t navigate the murky waters of the criminal defense system alone. The stakes are too high. Ramos & Del Cueto will guide you through the trial process and protect your rights at every stage so you can get your life back. Contact Ramos & Del Cueto 24/7 for your free consultation. Every minute matters, so don’t wait. Call today.