Remaining Silent

Two Texas teenagers, both 18 years of age and therefore considered adults under Florida law, drove from The Woodlands, Texas to Panama City Beach, Florida during an alleged two-day crime spree, according to WEARTV.com. Included in their alleged crimes was a hit and run traffic collision. The victim was able to identify their make and model of car, as well as remember their license plate. Local police canvassed the area after receiving multiple calls about vehicle burglaries and found the defendants’ car sitting outside a Walton County residence. The two were quickly arrested and very soon after admitted to committing multiple burglaries. They are also being charged for vandalism and theft from a Sunglass Hut. The two used SnapChat throughout their two-day escapade, which came in handy for the police as they took pictures of themselves with multiple pairs of Ray Ban sunglasses, which happened to match the description of those stolen from a Panama City Beach Sunglass Hut.

Use Your Right to Remain Silent

The most important thing to do upon being arrested is to invoke your right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. The Fifth Amendment grants five constitutional rights, and among them is the right to remain silent so as not to self-incriminate. This protection against self-incrimination extends beyond the courtroom, which is now why, upon arrest, an officer must read you your Miranda Rights. We strongly urge you to refrain from answering any questions of any law enforcement officer or any other person after you have been arrested. In the case above, the two teenagers, even if they did commit the crimes they were charged with, should not have talked to the police or admitted their guilt. For one, it drastically reduces the plea bargaining ability of their attorney. Moreover, it is incredibly easy to accidentally admit to a crime that you did not commit while being interrogated by the police. Many people tend to crack under pressure, fall victim to an officer’s sometimes friendly line of questioning, or say something that may have actually happened or something that they actually did but makes them look guilty even if they did not admit guilt.

But What if There is Overwhelming Evidence Against Me?

The two teenagers most likely admitted guilt to theft of the Ray Ban sunglasses when the officers showed them images from SnapChat of the two with the stolen sunglasses. While this may seem like a sure thing in terms of being found guilty, it is never wise to discuss anything with the police after being arrested, even if they present you with what may seem like overwhelming evidence against you. Do not take a bargain or talk to the police without first consulting with an attorney. And contrary to what some law enforcement officers might tell you, by insisting that you speak with an attorney, you do not hurt your chances of being let off lightly.

Call an Attorney Today

If you have been arrested for a crime, it is important to invoke your right to remain silent and call an attorney immediately. Contact the West Palm Beach criminal defense attorneys of the Skier Law Firm today for assistance. Our attorneys have experience in handling all types of criminal cases.

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