First Steps When Accused of Assault

Is someone accusing you of assault? It’s important to know exactly what to do when this occurs. There are many mistakes you can end up making, which will cause more problems later in the legal process. This is why you need to follow these steps when someone has accused you of assault.

Remain Calm

Staying calm is in your best interest, as fighting against others, particularly law officers, can cause you to be arrested on multiple charges. Remain calm and friendly to reduce the potential damage that could be lined up against you in court. Do not resist arrest. This can land you with heavier duty charges and anything you do to resist will be lodged against you. Instead, follow instructions as laid out by the police and cooperate to the best of your ability.

Don’t Say Anything Without Your Lawyer

You may be tempted to start denying everything or to get angry at the person who has accused you, but it’s best to simply stay quiet until you can speak with your solicitor. If the police take you to the police station, ask for your legal representative and remain silent until they arrive. You have the right to legal representation from the very start, so be sure to have the contact information on hand for your chosen solicitor.

If the police haven’t yet spoken to you, take the time to contact your lawyer and get advice immediately. The accuser may call the authorities later than you expect.

Do Not Lie

If you do start to speak, avoid lying to the police. It’s best to stay silent but lying can cause the police to increase the number of charges against you.

With Your Lawyer

Once your lawyer has arrived, you can discuss the case with them. Your lawyer will have the necessary advice to give and you should stick to what they say. Your lawyer has handled similar cases many times before and knows exactly how the process works, so listening to them is your best option. It’s also important to be as open as possible with your lawyer. They can only help with what they know and that means you need someone you can trust implicitly. No matter the situation, you will want someone on your side who understands the situation completely.

Looking for a lawyer who knows assault charges? Contact Lefevre Litigation immediately for help in your case.