Being accused of drug crimes can affect several points of your life. In some cases, you might have to miss work if you are placed in jail. You might also have to miss work to make your appearances in court. Most people who are facing drug charges want to minimize the effect the charges have on their life. One way you can do this is to invoke your right to counsel.
By having an attorney present as you move through the criminal justice process, you can ensure that your rights are being respected. You will also have someone on your side to help you understand the process and to help you understand how certain options might affect you. You should be prepared to invoke your right to have an attorney present right away.
It is vital that you understand how to invoke your right to have counsel present. With some of the most recent rulings regarding the right to have counsel present, it is vital that you invoke this right quickly. You have to make it clear to the law enforcement officers that you are invoking your right to counsel and that you want your counsel by your side before you answer any questions or interact with the law enforcement officers.
You don’t have to wait until you are read your Miranda rights or until you are asked about counsel. Instead, you should bring up the invocation as soon as you learn you are being questioned, detained or arrested in connection with any crime. By doing so, you are taking the first step in building your defense and protecting your rights.
Source: FindLaw, “Invoking the Right to Counsel,” accessed Aug. 25, 2015