Assault | Battery Charges

If You are Facing Assault Charges

Let's begin with the understanding that the police are not your friends and they are not there to help you. It is legal to for the police to lie to you. Promises made by the police are not enforceable. Miranda warnings may not help you, so if the police are investigating:

Do not talk. Be polite and courteous, but refuse to discuss their investigation with them. You should plainly and repeatedly tell them that you do not want to discuss anything with them, and that you want an attorney present. Do not allow yourself to be tricked or coerced by the police.

• Anything you say about the case to anyone, including most family members, can be used against you in court. Many defendants hurt their case by discussing it with family, friends, co-workers, police officers and prosecutors. If you have made such statements, we will deal with it together. If you have not, DON'T!
  
  
• Never consent to anything without the advice of your attorney. This includes giving the police permission to search, draw blood or discuss the case with you.
  
  
• Never resist arrest. If a police officer is attempting to arrest you, be polite and cooperative. Inform the officer that you will go along peacefully. It is also important to immediately inform the officer -or any officer that tries to question you- that you do not want to talk without an attorney.
  
  
• The only information you should provide without consulting an attorney is necessary biographical information; this includes your full legal name and address. If the police want to fingerprint you after arrest cooperate fully.
  
  
• Inform the officers that you wish to make a telephone call. Get an attorney quickly, if you call family or friends have them contact an attorney. Our criminal defense team is on call at all times of the day and night. You can reach us at 216-502-0800.
  
  
• Post bond as quickly as possible. If you are arraigned and asked how you plead, your response should be, "I stand mute." At the arraignment, do not try to talk to the judge about your case.
  
  
• Finally, meet with your attorney as soon as possible. When you meet with an attorney from our criminal defense team, be completely honest with your version of events. Tell us about any past criminal record or witness that might help or hurt your case. Remember that you are the most important part of your defense team.

If you have any questions about your criminal case with our firm, please feel free to call us at 216-502-0800.