Being accused of a crime is a serious matter. One’s freedom and liberty are at risk. Always try to obey the law and to respect police officers, but if you are accused of a crime, the following suggestions may help protect your legal rights. Please call us at (757) 595-8100, e-mail us at info@larrykinglaw.com, or use one of our secure contact forms.  Please also read our criminal law Frequently Asked Questions.

REMAIN CALM. Being accused of a crime is a distressing experience. Remain calm and keep a clear head. Do not be hostile or combative. Control your negative thoughts and feelings. Remember your ultimate goal is to protect your freedom, liberty, and good name. Before you say or do anything, call Larry King or another qualified criminal defense attorney.

DO NOT make any VERBAL OR WRITTEN statements. When talking to the police, give your name and address, but do not make any other statement. Politely advise the officer that you must talk to your lawyer before you say anything. Tell them that you will make no statements without the presence of your attorney. Do not waiver in your decision. You have an absolute right to remain silent. Do not say anything to anyone except your attorney. One wrong word can result in your conviction. One misplaced confidence can result in your incarceration. Do not talk to reporters or news agencies. Talk only to your lawyer.

DO NOT CONSENT TO BE SEARCHED. Always be polite and cordial with the police, but do not consent to their search of anything. This includes your person, home, vehicle, or other property. Do not say anything about the use, ownership, or knowledge of a place or item. If served with a search warrant, let the police do their duty, provide your name and address but do not say anything else. You may peacefully raise legal issues in court. 

TIMELY COURT APPEARANCE. You must be in court for all scheduled court appearances. Only the court can grant continuances. If you do not appear in court, you could be rearrested. If you are on bond, be sure to comply with all the terms of your release.

STAY OUT OF TROUBLE. It is very important that you stay out of trouble. Do not consume alcohol or use drugs. Stay out of compromising situations. Avoid people and places that could get you into further trouble.

Convey a positive impression. After an arrest and in court, you will be the  focus of attention. Convey a positive impression. Dress conservatively. Always be serious, polite and cordial. Avoid laughing, casual, hostile or any negative behavior.

IMMEDIATELY CALL LARRY KING, P.C. Help protect your rights, liberty, freedom, and good name with sound legal advice from a qualified attorney. Please feel free to call (757) 595-8100, e-mail us at info@larrykinglaw.com, or use our secure contact form below. Free Initial Appointment. 

Larry King is a former state prosecutor and has extensive experience representing those accused of a crime. He has over to twenty-five years of criminal defense experience. He has represented thousands of people in all types of serious criminal offenses and traffic matters. He urges everyone to obey the law and to respect law enforcement officers. He knows however that anyone can be wrongly accused of a crime. He understands his important role in protecting his client’s rights and liberty.  Mr. King earned his Juris Doctor law degree from the College of William and Mary in 1974. He is a member of the Virginia State Bar and is admitted to practice in state and federal Courts. This includes all Virginia State Courts, the Supreme Court of the United States, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, and the United States Court of Claims. He is a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association, the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Virginia College of Criminal Defense Attorneys, the Newport News Bar Association, the Williamsburg-James City County Bar Association, and the York-Poquoson Bar Association. 

*This is general educational information. Legal matters are specific in nature, and depend on particular facts and situations. Laws change overtime and facts vary from case to case. This information does not provide legal advice for your specific legal problems. Call Larry King P.C. for a free consultation.