What to do when someone has been arrested?

When someone is arrested based on criminal charges in Chattanooga, it means the police have some evidence that they violated the law. It does not mean that they are guilty of a crime. Unless the arrested manages to prove that the evidence is circumstantial, inconclusive, or insufficient, it could all end with a conviction, a criminal record, and even imprisonment. The person arrested is most likely confused, under tremendous stress, and unable to focus or think straight. Even temporary incarceration can be a nightmare for anyone, especially for the innocent. That is why, when someone is under criminal arrest, it is often up to their loved ones to take the lead and make sure they receive the best defense. This means finding out what criminal charges Chattanooga police filed against the arrested. It could be any of the following charges:

• DUI
• Driving when one’s license is suspended
• Drug possession
• Drug sale
• Drug trafficking
• Drug manufacturing
• Prescription fraud
• Aggravated assault
• Restraining order
• Homicide
• Armed robbery
• Theft
• Burglary

The best way to fight any of these charges is to contact a reputable Chattanooga criminal defense attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer can help ensure the accused does not make any mistakes that could lead to a conviction. While a lawyer provides your loved one with legal support, it is also important that the family provides moral support for their loved one while they are in jail.

The Importance of Hiring an Attorney When Fighting Criminal Charges in Tennessee

As soon as the police arrest your loved one on criminal charges, you need to contact a Tennessee criminal defense attorney and a bondsman. The sooner you do so, the less time your loved one will spend in prison, and the less likely they will be able to make any additional mistakes. Most criminal defense attorneys in Chattanooga, TN, provide free preliminary consultations. This means one can get an assessment of a criminal case without paying anything. During this preliminary consultation, the arrested or their loved ones will also receive valuable advice on what to expect and how to act while under criminal arrest.

What to Expect When Arrested for Criminal Charges in Chattanooga

Perhaps the most important thing the arrested can do is to remain silent. The fewer words and actions that are able to be observed by police, the less evidence will be available for the State to make against them. In the meantime, it may help the arrested and their loved ones to know what happens after the arrest. The law enforcement officers will take the person who is being charged to the police department and place them in jail. If the charges involve driving under the influence of alcohol, the accused may have to undergo tests meant to determine their blood alcohol concentration level. The arrested will initially see a Judicial Magistrate at the jail, during which they will find out what criminal charges the Chattanooga police have filed. Based on the case details, the Magistrate will set a value for the bail. The bail is actually an amount of money payable in cash through a bail bond company or using a property of at least equal value. The accused has to pay it as a guarantee of not trying to leave town and escape charges. Once someone is released on bail, they will be given a court date. The next court date is called an arraignment. If a bond has still not been made at this point, an attorney may be able to convince the prosecution to drop the criminal charges, or at least convince the court to modify the bond amount. Once the bail is set and paid, the accused is free to go home. The court may deny bail if they believe the accused will attempt to run away or if they consider them to be a danger to society. Given the important role the attorney plays in releasing the accused and ensuring they obtain a favorable verdict, it goes without saying that the one facing charges should be completely honest and disclose all case details. This way, the attorney will know exactly what to do, and there will be no unpleasant surprises during the trial. The friends and family of the accused may be able to help during the investigation and trial as well, depending on their relationship with the accused and how much they know regarding the charges. Their moral support will surely help the accused remain confident during this difficult time in their lives.

Schedule a Consultation with a Seasoned Chattanooga Criminal Defense Attorney

Is one of your loved ones under criminal arrest in Chattanooga, and you are not sure how to help? Don’t let your friend or family member test their freedom by facing charges alone! At Best and Brock, we have helped a number of clients fight criminal charges in Tennessee. We can help your loved one, as well! Contact us today to schedule a FREE preliminary consultation.