Having a heart attack is a medical emergency. Being charged with a crime is a legal emergency. There is literally not a minute to lose: You must have a highly experienced criminal lawyer by your side immediately.

Highly competent criminal lawyers are skilled at protecting their clients' right to a fair trial and at aggressively representing their interests.

If you or a member of your family is arrested, it is absolutely essential that you have a lawyer with you before you make any statement to police or other criminal investigators.

Police officers are required under the Miranda rule to advise you of your right to an attorney. You must not waive ("give up") this right without understanding what you are giving up.

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Your lawyer needs every fact you can in defending you against prosecution. Here are some of the items you should bring to your first meeting:

• The name, address and telephone number of any witness who can vouch for your innocence or provide information on your whereabouts at the time the crime was supposedly committed.
• Names, addresses and telephone numbers of family members, friends and your employer who can vouch for your good character.
• Proof of employment or of enrollment in school.
• One or more friends or close relatives who can appear in court with you and help you make bail.