If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges or a criminal investigation, you need to be very careful and smart in how you conduct yourself. Your freedom and life may be on the line. It is in times like these that the advice of experienced counsel should be sought out and followed. The police and prosecutors have tremendous resources and are not your side. Interacting with the legal system can be intimidating and is full of potential traps. 8 tips if you're arrested Do not make statements to police without your lawyer present Don’t speak with anyone about your case in jail, including on jail phones Do not consent to any search of your home or vehicle, unless ordered by a search warrant Do not appear in court by yourself or sign anything without consulting a criminal defense lawyer Do not assume your case is hopeless or be intimidated by a prosecutor into pleading guilty Do not interview witnesses or try to investigate your case yourself Ask your lawyer about alternative sentencing options when appropriate Hire a qualified criminal defense lawyer asap When your freedom, personal & professional life are on the line, it is critical to hire a skilled criminal defense lawyer to intervene fast and early to aggressively defend your case and try to get the case dropped before it even goes to court.