3 Ways to Protect Yourself in a Homicide Investigation
Being investigated or arrested in a homicide case can be one of the most catastrophic experiences that someone could face. Whether it is for vehicular manslaughter or murder, you may be worried that the state is utilizing all of its resources to frame you or charge you with something you didn’t do, especially when you have nothing to hide and did nothing wrong. Unfortunately, wrongful convictions occur often, and recent research found that more than half of all wrongful criminal convictions are caused by government misconduct. For this reason, it’s critical that you protect yourself during a homicide investigation of any kind.
In this brief article, a Tampa homicide defense lawyer with The Rickman Law Firm shares three ways to protect yourself against wrongful conviction in a homicide investigation.
1. Do Not Speak to Police Alone
If you are being investigated for a homicide of any kind, be it vehicular manslaughter or murder, you should not speak with police alone. The old television trope of police officers using intimidation tactics comes from some seed of truth. You may be coerced into confessing for a crime you did not commit, or told that you will be able to get a plea bargain that is not actually on the table.
The very best and most important way to protect yourself is to utilize your 5th amendment right protecting against self-incrimination and request that a Tampa homicide defense lawyer is present for all questioning.
2. Do Not Interfere with the Investigation
3. Hire an Experienced Attorney
We mentioned earlier that it is critical to not speak with detectives or investigators without your attorney present, but that leaves out the most important part: hiring an experienced attorney. Your attorney will help guide you through the legal process, but more importantly they will help you understand the best defense available to you. This might mean they discuss a strategy of defense utilizing:
- Self-defense
- Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law
- Suppression of evidence
- Supervening circumstances
- And more.
A Tampa homicide defense attorney with The Rickman Law Firm will help you understand the best defense for your unique case. Your attorney and their team will also conduct a thorough investigation and will help you understand all of the factors that may be at play. They will also be present for any and all questioning by the police so that you do not have to go through your case alone and they will help make sure you are not coerced into a wrongful or false confession. And importantly, they will work with you to create a defense strategy. They have experience handling cases just like yours every day and will guide you every step of the way.
For a free consultation with a Tampa homicide defense attorney, please contact The Rickman Law Firm today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.