Helpful FAQ Videos
What To Do When Police Contact You?
If you are being investigated for a crime, you’re going to hear from a detective about what they have on you. Be aware that detectives may lie to obtain the information they need. Call Attorney Terrell Jackson right away so your rights are protected. You don’t have to say a word to any sort of law enforcement agency or official. Miranda warnings state that anything you say can and will be used against you. The warning doesn’t say might, or maybe. They’re literally telling you that anything you tell them will be used against you.
When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
You should hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you realize you’ve either done something or received a notice in the mail indicating charges against you. Many times, a detective will show up at the accused’s house and leave a card. If Attorney Ratliff can get in at that point, he’s able to make things more favorable for the client. Otherwise, when the case reaches court, reports often present only one side of the story. Attorney Ratliff aims to prevent law enforcement from directly communicating with his client, ensuring they don’t turn against them. At that early stage. It may seem conversational, but you could share details that shouldn’t be disclosed.
What Happens at the First Defense Consultation?
At the first defense consultation with Attorney Ratliff, you and he will build a timeline of what happened. Typically, you will first have contact with law enforcement, followed by a search and then an arrest. Building that timeline helps Attorney Ratliff determine if there’s a Fourth Amendment violation. However, don’t lie to him, as it’s the worst thing to do. He’s going to call the prosecutor and talk his stuff based on what you told him. You don’t want him to be blindsided, as he will lose credibility. Attorney Ratliff is essentially an investigator on your behalf. Criminal defense attorneys wear a lot of hats.
How Does Discovery Build a Defense?
How does discovery build a defense? Discovery is any sort of evidence, like police reports, video surveillance, and police body cameras, accumulated over the course of an investigation. A lot of arrests aren’t week-long investigations. Typically, it involves a police encounter, a search, and an arrest. There will be significant videos, as every officer wears a body cam, and that’s where we get a lot of useful evidence. The written report only has what the officer wants in it. It’s not their job to defend you. Attorney Ratliff had a car search case where the cops based the search on a danger to an officer. Upon looking at the body camera, not only did his client get out of the car when requested, but then the officer told her to get back in it. So, she closed the door, and the windows were rolled up and tinted. The officers stood there for a good five minutes in conversation. That did not look like a fear of safety when you told someone to get back into a tinted car and stood outside and conversed with your partner for a good five minutes.