Suppressing Illegally Seized Evidence
It is common to be overwhelmed during the course of an arrest, but even in the face of stress it is important to remain calm and take steps to protect your rights and defend yourself. If you have been arrested in Florida, there are certain actions you can take to protect your legal interests, including consulting with an experienced Clearwater criminal defense lawyer about the possibility of suppressing illegally seized evidence.
First Steps Following an Arrest
After being arrested, the first and most important step is to exercise your right to remain silent. It is important not to provide any information to law enforcement officers without first consulting with a criminal defense attorney. Anything you say could be used against you in court, and saying the wrong thing could lead to more legal concerns.
When you are taken to a local police station or jail for booking, your personal information will be recorded, and you will be informed of the charges against you. Provide only basic information, such as your name and address, and to avoid making any statements that could incriminate you.
Motions to Suppress Evidence
If law enforcement officers have illegally seized evidence in connection with your arrest, your criminal defense lawyer may be able to file a motion to suppress that evidence. This means that the evidence will not be admissible in court. If this is possible, it could significantly weaken the prosecution’s case against you.
Motions to suppress evidence can be based on a number of different legal grounds. For example, your attorney may argue that the evidence was obtained through an unlawful search and seizure, that you were not read your Miranda rights before being questioned, or that there were other violations of your constitutional rights.
It is important to note that the process of filing a motion to suppress is not always simple, and it requires a thorough understanding of criminal law and procedure. This is why it is so important to work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help you navigate the legal system.
Strengthening Your Defense
In addition to filing motions to suppress evidence, your Clearwater criminal defense lawyer can also fortify your defense. This may involve conducting an independent investigation, interviewing witnesses, and gathering evidence to support your case. Your attorney can also negotiate with prosecutors to try to reach a plea agreement, which may result in reduced charges or a lesser sentence.
The best course of action after a Florida arrest is to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer without delay. As soon as you have hired an attorney, they can begin working on your case. Depending on your case, there may be a path to throwing out evidence that was not collected ethically, protecting your interests, and negotiating a plea bargain.
Have you been arrested and suspect the evidence against you was illegally obtained? Talk to the legal team at King Law Group. With the right legal representation, you can fight back against the charges and move forward with your life. Schedule your free consultation today.
