There’s only one thing more stressful than getting arrested: your parent, spouse, child, guardian, uncle, cousin, or grandparent just got arrested. If your loved one has been arrested in Annapolis (or anywhere in Maryland, really), here are some steps you can take to navigate the situation:
- Try to stay calm: It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and anxious, but it’s essential to stay as calm as possible. Panicking won’t help the situation.
- Find out where they are: Contact the local police department or jail to find out where your loved one is being held. You can inquire about their status and any charges they are facing.
- Gather information: If possible, gather information about the arrest, including the date, time, location, and any details you know about the circumstances. This information may be helpful for their defense.
- Support them emotionally: Getting arrested is a traumatic experience. Offer your loved one emotional support and reassurance during this challenging time.
- Understand the charges: Learn about the charges your loved one is facing and the potential consequences. This will help you understand the gravity of the situation and what steps need to be taken next.
- Follow legal procedures: I’ve spent the last three decades as an Annapolis criminal defense attorney and I am telling you: listen. to. your. lawyer. to navigate the legal process. No one’s saying don’t ask questions, but this is our wheelhouse, you know? Trust me: unless you are also a legal professional, I know more about the law than you do.
- Stay informed: Keep yourself informed about the progress of the case and any court dates or hearings. I’ll be in touch about updates but you can call my office any time.
- Consider bail: If your loved one is eligible for bail, you may consider posting bail to secure their release from custody. We can help with this, too.
- Practice self-care: Remember to take care of yourself during this stressful time. Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist if needed.
You should try to handle the situation with care and diligence to support your loved one through the legal process. Working with a knowledgeable Annapolis criminal defense attorney like could make a huge difference in the outcome of their case.
The list of questions to being your Annapolis defense lawyer
Here’s what you want to ask me:
- What are the charges against my loved one? And how many are there? Because sometimes you think it’s one charge but it’s actually seven. So we want to get this right straight off the bat.
- What are the potential consequences if they’re found guilty? It’ll depend on the charges, which is why we have to hash that all out first. Fines, potential jail time, maybe some community service: all of that may be on the table.
- What will the legal process likely be going forward? Knowing what to expect can help you and your loved one prepare mentally and emotionally.
- How strong is this case? I can’t guarantee a specific case result; no lawyer can, and you should be suspicious of any attorney who makes those kinds of promises. But I can do a preliminary evaluation of the case and make an assessment about how it might play out.
- Do you have experience with cases like this? Not every lawyer practice criminal defense in Annapolis. And among those who do, not all of them have experience in state and federal courts. Not all of them have 27 years of experience. I, on the other hand, check every single one of these boxes, so the chances are good that yeah – I have experience with a case “like this,” no matter what the “this” is.
- Will you be handling the case personally? Certain tasks might be delegated to my staff, but I’m the only one who represents my clients in court.
- What are our options to defend against the charges? It’s important to understand the different strategies that could be employed to defend your loved one. I’ll walk your loved one through those strategies. (And you too, if you’re the one hiring me.)
- How often do cases like this go to trial? Sometimes a plea is the best option; sometimes, it’s going to court. We’ll talk about all of it based on the charges and circumstances.
- What is your fee structure? All of that is in my contract but I’ll go over it with you so you’re not surprised.
- How long will this all take? The time it takes to get a resolution varies from case to case. I’ll try to give you a ballpark but we can get caught up by silly stuff, too – federal holidays, the judge’s dentist appointment, someone in the DA’s office making the wrong photocopies.
Remember to take notes during your conversation and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if there’s anything you don’t understand. It’s also a good idea to gather any relevant documentation or information you have about the case to share with me.
Being charged with a crime is no walk in the park. For many defendants, their family, livelihood, reputation, and freedom hang in the balance. I’m Drew Cochran, an Annapolis-based criminal defense attorney. Your case is not my first rodeo – in fact, I’ve got more than 20 years of experience helping people through their legal challenges, and I can help you or your loved one too. From record expungement to criminal forfeiture, I personally handle every part of your case, so you don’t have to worry about being shuffled from defense lawyer to defense lawyer. I’ll answer all your questions about the charges, your defenses, and anything else you want to know.
At Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law, my clients receive an aggressive defense from an experienced Annapolis criminal defense attorney. Complete our contact form or call our Annapolis or Ellicott City offices to set up your initial consultation today. The sooner you contact us, the better.
And remember — Keep Calm, and Call Drew.
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