Arrested on a Federal Charge? Here’s What To Do Next

Being arrested for a federal charge can easily be an overwhelming experience, leaving many people not knowing what to do. As the common saying goes, “innocent until proven guilty”. It is important to protect your rights from being violated which include the right to a Miranda Warning, the right to remain silent, and the right to an attorney. Doing so protects you against abuses and aids in a best-case scenario for your trial. Therefore, hiring an experienced and qualified lawyer, like the office of Michael B. Cohen, is the most important first step to make after being arrested.

After Arrest Process

After being arrested for a federal charge, the process begins with an initial appearance before a federal judge. The judge will make the decision whether there is substantial evidence to continue proceedings along with the possibility of a bond.
If the judge rules there is reasonable cause to move forward, you will move forward to arraignment. At this stage, you will formally be read the charges against you and then given an option to enter a plea. Assistance with a lawyer is ideal as they can help discuss options with the prosecutor on your case.
If you plead “not guilty” you will enter a pretrial period for discovery and motions. Commonly this period is served to dismiss charges and suppress evidence upon a judge’s approval.

If no plea bargain has been reached, you will enter a trial. You, ideally your attorney, the prosecution, a judge, and the jury will navigate through the arguments and evidence to reach a verdict and possible sentencing.

If found guilty and you are unsatisfied with the verdict, you are entitled to file for an appeal if you believe there was an error in the courtroom procedure or legal process.
Navigating through the legal process after being arrested can be just as overwhelming. The advantages of working with an attorney are common confidentiality. You, the client, has the privilege of limiting or refusing what information you or your attorney can disclose. This promotes a defendant to disclose all relevant information without fear that it will be used against them when working with an attorney. There’s many options, steps, and directions you can take after getting arrested, but the simple and strongest choice is to contact an experienced lawyer. We want to help. Take the first step and call us at 954.928.0059.