What Should You Do If You Are Arrested For Theft?

Being arrested on a theft charge can be stressful and overwhelming. If you are charged with a crime or a misunderstanding, you need to know what to do in order to protect your rights and achieve the best possible result. If you are arrested for theft, you need to stay calm, know the process, and get legal help right away. Having a felony theft lawyer in colorado springs make a huge impact on your case, guide you through the intricacies of the court process and to mount a strong defense.

In this article here, we will guide you on what you must do after arrest for theft, assist you to make informed decisions and avoid expensive blunders.

1. Remain Calm and Cooperate with Police

How you behave during an arrest can either make or break your case. You ought to:

• Remain Calm: Don't give in to the urge to panic and struggle, because that will earn you a resisting an officer or obstruction charge, among others.

• Obey Orders: Blind obedience is necessary; listen to directives from police officers without debating them or rushing into action.

• Avoid Confrontation: Do not try to defend or justify to the police what you did at this point. Whatever you say can be turned against you during trial.

By staying cool, you will be able to avoid making things worse.

2. Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent

One of your most important rights when being arrested is your right to remain silent. You have no obligation to respond to anything other than giving your name and your identifying information.

• Do Not Admit Anything: Even if you are positive that you did not do whatever it is, things that come out of your mouth when you are angry will be taken the wrong way and/or taken out of context.

• Request Legal Advice: Politely inform the officer that you would prefer to have an attorney present before answering any questions.

Anything you say can and will be used against you, and so it's always best to hold off until you have an attorney before speaking.

3. Reach out to a Felony Theft Attorney in Colorado Springs

Once arrested, your first concern should be to find qualified legal representation. A Colorado Springs felony theft attorney will guide you through the charges that have been brought against you, defend your rights, and develop a strong defense plan.

Your lawyer can:

• Evaluate the Evidence: Sifting through the evidence presented by the prosecutor to identify weak areas or inconsistencies.

• Negotiate Bail: Assist you in obtaining a fair bail or release on special terms.

• Develop a Defense: Construct a defense tailored to the particular facts of your case, for example, mistaken identity, absence of intent, or illegal search and seizure.

• Represent You in Court: If your case does go to trial, a skilled attorney will represent you, presenting the best defense.

By letting a professional theft attorney defend your case, you increase the likelihood of having a favorable outcome, be it dismissal of your charge, reduced charges, or lower penalties.

4. Know the Charges Against You

Stealing charges can be dependent upon the amount of property stolen and other circumstances. Knowing how grave your charge is:

• Petty Theft (Misdemeanor): Typically used where stolen property is of lower value (e.g., less than $2,000 in Colorado).

• Felony Theft: Typically where stolen property of higher value than the misdemeanor amount, usually with more severe punishment, e.g., imprisonment and fines.

• Aggravating Factors: Where force, fraud, or prior convictions are involved, punishments could be more severe.

Your lawyer will apprise you of the charges and possible outcomes so that you are able to make intelligent decisions on your case.

5. Adhere to Court Procedures and Legal Counsel

When arrested, you will probably be arraigned, where charges are read officially and you plead (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). Your lawyer will assist in guiding you through this and will advise you as to what is best to do.

To improve your chances for a good result:

• Show Up to All Court Dates: Failure to attend a court date may result in additional penalties and an arrest warrant.

• Obey Legal Advice: Advice from your attorney is extremely important when dealing with legal proceedings.

• Comply with Court Orders: Compliance with bail conditions or other legal orders will help maintain your credibility with the court.

6. Explore Possible Defenses

Each case of theft is different, and a number of defenses can fit your case:

• Mistaken Identity: You were accused or mistaken for someone else by accident.

• Lack of Intent: You did not do it on purpose and took another person's property.

• Ownership Claim: You genuinely believed the property was yours.

• Unlawful Search and Seizure: Improperly obtained evidence will be disallowed in court.

Your attorney will review the above and additional defense tactics for effective defense of charges.

7. Investigate Plea Bargains or Alternative Sentencing

Your attorney might, in certain instances, negotiate a plea bargain, whereby you plead guilty to a lesser offense for lighter penalties. Alternatives to jail time, such as probation, community service, or restitution, might also be used instead of being incarcerated.

These or first-offender programs can likewise be useful for avoiding a criminal record.

Wrapping Up

It's a serious case to be arrested for theft, but being a good person will count for a lot in your case's outcome. Remain calm, exercise your right to silence, and immediately get in touch with a Colorado Springs felony theft attorney. Your rights will be protected by an experienced attorney who will guide legal procedures and negotiate to the best possible outcome.